Eosinophilic Granuloma: A Rare and Often Benign Condition Presenting as a Lump on the Head, which was Easily Treated

Abstract

Eosinophilic granuloma is a localized, non-invasive form of Langerhans cell histiocytosis. It usually develops in the long bones and is more frequent in children under the age of 10 years. It is very rare in adults. We present the case of a young woman admitted to hospital for persistent refractory left parietal headache, later revealed to be caused by an eosinophilic granuloma.

Learning points: Eosinophilic granuloma is a localized benign form of Langerhans cell histiocytosis.It is essential to exclude the presence of bone lesions in other locations and/or systemic involvement.The prognosis is good, with surgical resection, when necessary, being a curative intervention, although sometimes (as in this case) a conservative approach is sufficient.

Keywords: Eosinophilic granuloma; Langerhans cell histiocytosis.

Figure 1

Head CT showing left parietal lytic lesion (red arrow)

Figure 2

Head MRI showing a10 mm lytic lesion in the parietal bone with disruption (‘bulging’) of the external tabula of the parietal bone and an epicranial soft tissue extension of the lesion (red arrows)