Pulmonary Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis

Abstract

Pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH; histiocytosis X, eosinophilic granuloma) belongs to the spectrum of the diseases that are characterized by uncontrolled proliferation and infiltration of various organs by Langerhans cells (LCs). It is a rare disease most commonly affecting adult cigarette smokers. Men and women are almost equally affected, although a slightly higher proportion of women has recently been reported, most frequently between the ages of 20 to 40 years. Pulmonary LCH may present as an isolated form of LCH or it can present simultaneously with other organ involvement.