Langerhans cell histiocytosis of the skull in 23 children

To explore the clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) of the skull in children.

This study retrospectively summarized the clinical manifestations, treatment methods and follow-up status of children with skull LCH who were admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery of Shanghai Children’s Hospital from January 2014 to June 2021.

A total of 23 patients confirmed by histology as LCH received hospitalization treatment, including 14 males and 9 females, aged (5.76 ± 3.86) years old. The clinical manifestations were mostly incidentally discovered head masses that gradually enlarged (19 cases, 82.61%). Only 2 cases are affected by multiple systems, while the rest are affected by single systems. 9 patients were involved in multiple skull lesions, and 14 patients had local skull lesions. All patients underwent surgical intervention, with 17 patients undergoing total resection and 6 patients undergoing biopsy. 21 patients received chemotherapy after surgery. The median follow-up was 2.46 years (range 0.33–6.83 years). 21 patients had their symptoms and signs under control or even resolved, and 2 patients experienced recurrence during follow-up. The overall control rate reached 91.30%.

Personalized treatment plans according to different clinical types. Regular outpatient follow-up is crucial to monitor disease recurrence and late effects.