Imaging findings in Erdheim-Chester disease: what every radiologist needs to know

Pol J Radiol. 2018 Feb 4:83:e54-e62. doi: 10.5114/pjr.2018.73290. eCollection 2018.

Abstract

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare sporadic non-Langerhans cell histiocytic (LCH) proliferative disorder with systemic predilection. It usually affects adults in the 5th-7th decades of life and has non-specific clinical manifestations. Its suspicion is often heralded by the presence of characteristic radiological findings and subsequently confirmed by demonstration of CD68-positive xanthogranulomatous infiltrates on histopathology. Despite being a non-malignant entity, it might be fatal due to organ dysfunction. Imaging plays a key role in the diagnosis, management, and follow-up. Imaging findings are essential to establish the diagnosis, assess actual disease burden, and explore the aetiopathogenesis and therapeutic options to halt disease progression and associated morbidity.

Keywords: Erdheim-Chester disease; diabetes insipidus; histiocytosis; neurogenic; non-Langerhans cell.

Publication types

  • Review