Endocrine manifestations in Langerhans cell histiocytosis

Abstract

Langerhans cell histiocytosis is a rare, multisystem disease that shows a particular predilection for hypothalamo-pituitary axis involvement. Diabetes insipidus is the most frequent permanent consequence of Langerhans cell histiocytosis, developing in around a quarter of patients. Although the exact prevalence of anterior pituitary hormone deficiencies is not known, it is probably high and is almost always associated with diabetes insipidus. Established pituitary hormone deficiencies are mostly permanent and require prompt diagnosis and treatment, whereas continuous follow-up is needed to detect deficiencies that might evolve later during the course of the disease. Involvement of endocrine tissues other than the pituitary has also been described but is relatively rare. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effect that endocrine deficiencies exert on the overall prognosis of patients with Langerhans cell histiocytosis.