[en] Langerhans cell histiocytosis is a rare group of proliferative disorders. Beside cutaneous involvement, other internal organs ca be affected. The treatment of cutaneous lesions is difficult and relies on topical corticosteroids, carmustine, nitrogen mustard, and photochemotherapy. Systemic steroids and vinblastine are used for recalcitrant skin lesions. Howerver, some cases fail to respond. An 18-month old boy presented a CD1a+, S100a+ Langerhans cell histocytosis with cutaneous and severe scalp involvement. Topical corticosteroids and nitrogen mustard failed to improve the skin lesions. Systemic corticosteroids and vinblastine improved the truncal involvement but had no effect on the scalp lesions. Methylaminolevulinate (MAL) based photodynamic therapy (PDT) resulted in a significant regression of the scalp lesions. Control histology revealed an almost complete clearance of the tumor infiltrate. Clinical follow-up after six months showed no recurrence. Although spontaneous regression of cutaneous Langerhans cell histiocytosis is observed, the rapid effect of photodynamic therapy for refractory skin lesions. Larger series are needed to determine whether photodynamic therapy deserves a place in the treatment of multiresistant cutaneous Langerhans cell histiocytosis.
Disciplines :
Dermatology
Author, co-author :
FAILLA, Valérie ; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège - CHU > Dermatologie
WAUTERS, Odile ; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège - CHU > Dermatologie
CAUCANAS, MARIE
TASSOUDJI, Nazli ; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège - CHU > Dermatologie
NIKKELS, Arjen ; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège - CHU > Dermatologie
Language :
English
Title :
PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY FOR MULTI-RESISTANT CUTANEOUS LANGERHANS CELL HISTIOCYTOSIS