[Langerhans cell histiocytosis revealed by a temporomandibular joint disorder: Report of a case and review of the craniofacial expressions]

Abstract

Introduction: Langerhans cell histiocytosis (HL) is a rare disease that can affect all tissues. Oral manifestations such as mucosal ulcer and tooth mobility are often the first signs of the disease. We report a rare case of mandibular condyle unifocal HL mimicking a temporomandibular joint disorder.

Case report: A 44-year-old patient presented with a left temporomandibular disorder with painful left preauricular swelling. The imaging assessment found a bone lesion of the left mandibular condyle. A curettage with biopsy was used to diagnose HL. Six months later, the patient had no more pain.

Discussion: The craniofacial clinical expressions of HL mainly concern the bones, which can cause: pain, swelling, fracture, compression of noble organs. The other sites are: oral cavity, skin, lymph nodes, or eyes. Isolated forms are generally benign, and their treatment is discussed between abstention and non-aggressive surgery.

Keywords: Condyle mandibulaire; Désordre temporo-mandibulaire; Eosinophilic granuloma; Granulome éosinophile; Histiocytose langerhansienne; Langerhans-cell histiocytosis; Mandibular condyle; Temporomandibular joint disorder; Trismus.