Langerhans cell histiocytosis

Langerhans cell histiocytosis, abbreviated LCH, is a rare genetic disorder of tissue macrophages.

General

• Looks like eosinophilic granuloma of the lung - see medical lung diseases.

Microscopic

Features:

• Langerhans cells histiocytes:
  • Clusters of cells (histiocytes) with a reniform (kidney-shaped) nucleus and abundant foamy cytoplasm.
    • Nucleus may look like a "coffee bean", i.e. have nuclear grooves (similar to those in papillary thyroid carcinoma) -- appearance dependent on the rotation of the nucleus.
    • Chromatin pattern: fine granular, light gray.
• +/-Eosinophils - often prominent.

Images:

• LCH - lymph node - very high mag. (WC).
• LCH - lymph node - high mag. (WC).

IHC

• CD1a +ve.
• S100 +ve.

See also

• Lymph node pathology.