Traversing the Spectrum of Non-Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis: A Case of Rosai-Dorfman Disease with Features of Necrobiotic Xanthogranuloma

  • Blythe N. Ke Department of Dermatology, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila
  • Erika Belinda T. Chen Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila
  • Kevin Jer V. David Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila
  • Sarah Faye V. Obbus Department of Dermatology, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila
  • Val Constantine S. Cua Department of Dermatology, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila
  • Ma. Lorna F. Frez Department of Dermatology, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila
  • Eileen A. Cubillan Department of Dermatology, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila
Keywords: histiocytosis, non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis, Rosai-Dorfman disease, necrobiotic xanthogranuloma, case report

Abstract

Introduction. Non-Langerhans cell histiocytoses (non-LCH) are a group of rare diseases with varied clinical manifestations and overlapping features seen among the subtypes. Here, we present a case of Rosai-Dorfman disease with features of necrobiotic xanthogranuloma.

Case. A 45-year-old female presented with a 10-year history of an enlarging neck mass with normal overlying skin accompanied by dysphagia and multiple asymptomatic pink to yellowish-brown papules, nodules, and plaques on the face, trunk and extremities. Biopsies of a skin nodule and plaque revealed granulomatous dermal infiltrates (lymphocytes, foamy histiocytes, and Touton giant cells), emperipolesis and areas of necrosis. CD1A and Fite-Faraco staining showed negative results while CD68 and S100 positively stained the tissues of interest. Histopathology of the neck mass paralleled these findings in addition to being negative for lymphoid markers. Patient had monoclonal gammopathy and thyromegaly with enlarged cervical lymph nodes on further tests and imaging. Intralesional and systemic steroids were given which led to flattening of skin lesions and improvement in dysphagia, respectively.

Conclusion. Diagnosis and classification of a particular type of non-LCH may be difficult due to similarities across its subtypes. Hence, it is our belief that these diseases may occur on a spectrum. Treatment involves a multidisciplinary approach for the best possible care.

Published
2021-08-27
How to Cite
1.
Ke BN, Chen EBT, David KJV, Obbus SFV, Cua VCS, Frez MLF, Cubillan EA. Traversing the Spectrum of Non-Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis: A Case of Rosai-Dorfman Disease with Features of Necrobiotic Xanthogranuloma. Acta Med Philipp [Internet]. 2021Aug.27 [cited 2024Mar.29];55(5). Available from: https://actamedicaphilippina.upm.edu.ph/index.php/acta/article/view/2572