Spontaneous regression of orbital Langerhans cell granulomatosis in a three-year-old girl

Am J Ophthalmol. 1999 Jul;128(1):119-21. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9394(99)00055-0.

Abstract

Purpose: To report a case of spontaneous regression of orbital Langerhans cell granulomatosis.

Method: Case report. A 3-year-old girl was initially examined with a 5-week history of slowly progressive blepharoptosis and periorbital swelling of the left eye.

Results: Computed tomographic scan showed a mass in the left orbit eroding into the left frontal bone; fine-needle aspiration confirmed diagnosis of Langerhans cell granulomatosis. After initial biopsy, the patient was treated by close observation alone. Six months after initial examination, the monostotic lesion had completely resolved.

Conclusions: In some cases of monostotic Langerhans cell granulomatosis, initial biopsy followed by observation alone may allow for the spontaneous regression of the lesion. This conservative approach to treatment is an important therapeutic option that may spare the patient the adverse effects of surgical resection, radiation, or chemotherapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Blepharoptosis / physiopathology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell / diagnostic imaging
  • Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Orbital Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Orbital Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Remission, Spontaneous
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed