CNS Sequelae in Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis: Progressive Spinocerebellar Degeneration as a Late Manifestation of the Disease

Abstract

Central nervous system involvement in Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), formerly known as histiocytosis X, is manifested mainly by diabetes insipidus reflecting local infiltration of Langerhans cells into the posterior pituitary or hypothalamus. We describe two patients with progressive spinocerebellar degeneration appearing 4 and 6 years after the initial diagnosis of LCH. No correlation was found between the clinical course of the disease or its treatment and the neurological impairment. An extensive search for metabolic, toxic, neoplastic, and hereditary etiologies for progressive cerebellar degeneration was negative.

Key Words:

• central nervous system
• cerebellum
• Langerhans cell histiocytosis