Erdheim-Chester disease

[A case of Erdheim-Chester disease with recurrent relapses requiring differentiation from infectious diseases]

We report a case of Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) presenting with recurrent mass lesions that posed significant diagnostic challenges. The patient, a 66-year-old man, had multiple recurrent intracranial lesions with contrast enhancement and edema. Given his history of international travel and partial responsiveness to antibiotics, imported infectious diseases were initially suspected. However, infectious etiology was ruled out based on histopathological examination, leading to a diagnosis of ECD. This case was atypical for ECD due to the imaging findings and recurrent nature of the lesions. When granulomatous lesions with histiocytic infiltration are non-infectious, histiocytic disorders should be considered, and immunohistochemical staining is recommended.

Comprehensive case reports on cardiac manifestations in Erdheim-Chester disease: Imaging and clinical insights

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cardiac MRI) is an essential tool in the diagnosis and managing cardiac pathology. This pictorial essay discusses 3 patient case examples used in clinical practice. The cases are representative of very rarely cardiac involvement in Erdheim-Chester disease, where advanced imaging techniques play a crucial role in identifying and evaluating sporadic manifestations in the heart. Cardiac MRI is invaluable in providing detailed structural and functional information. Essential for comprehensive cardiac assessment, it is crucial in guiding effective treatment strategies and improving the patient's outcome with some of the most complex and rare cardiac conditions.

Molecular Mutations in Histiocytosis: A Comprehensive Survey of Genetic Alterations

Histiocytosis represents a group of uncommon disorders characterized by the abnormal accumulation of specialized immune cells, such as macrophages, dendritic cells, or monocyte-derived cells, in various tissues and organs. Over 100 distinct subtypes have been documented, each displaying a broad spectrum of clinical presentations and histological characteristics. Till today, histiocytosis has been addressed through a combination of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery, with varying responses from individual patients. Due to its atypical symptoms, it has been prone to misdiagnosis. Advances in our understanding of the cellular and molecular aspects of these conditions are paving the way for improved diagnostic methods and targeted therapies. Researchers have extensively investigated various mutations in patient samples. However, no paper has yet provided a comprehensive summary of the collective analysis of mutations and pathways. Hence, this paper consolidates research efforts that specifically concentrate on gene mutations identified in patient samples of different subtypes of histiocytosis. These insights are essential for developing targeted therapies and improving diagnosis. Further, it provides potential insights to enhance the development of more effective therapeutic approaches for rare diseases.

Erdheim-Chester disease: Comprehensive insights from genetic mutations to clinical manifestations and therapeutic advances

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is an extremely rare non-Langerhans cell disorder that is believed to include both inflammatory and neoplastic characteristics. It is caused due to genetic mutations in proto-oncogenes like BRAF and MEK, while immunological pathways have an essential role in the onset and progression of the disease. Despite its rarity, ECD poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to its heterogeneous clinical presentation and limited understanding of its underlying pathophysiology. Multiple organs can be affected, with the most frequent being long bones, central nervous system and retro-orbital abnormalities, pericardial and myocardial infiltration, interstitial lung disease, retroperitoneal fibrosis, and large blood vessel aberrations. Here, in this review, we comprehensively underline the current knowledge of ECD, including its epidemiology, clinical manifestations, genetics, pathophysiology, diagnostic modalities, and treatment options. By synthesizing existing literature and highlighting areas of ongoing research, this review aims to provide clinicians and researchers with a comprehensive understanding of ECD and guide future directions for improved patient care and outcomes.

Recent advances in therapeutic strategies of Erdheim-Chester disease

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare form of non-LCH characterized by excessive accumulation of histiocytes in various tissues, leading to significant morbidity. The estimated prevalence of ECD is low, with fewer than 1000 cases reported globally, yet it presents considerable clinical challenges due to its heterogeneous manifestations, which include bone pain, cardiovascular complications, and neurological symptoms. Traditional treatment approaches, primarily involving corticosteroids and chemotherapy, have limitations, including inconsistent responses and significant side effects. Recent advances in understanding the pathogenesis of ECD, particularly the role of the BRAF V600E mutation, have led to the exploration of novel therapeutic strategies, such as targeted BRAF inhibitors, MEK and mTOR inhibitors, and other immunotherapies, which offer promise in improving patient outcomes. The review further explores clinical manifestations, and radiographic features of Erdheim-Chester disease, and discusses treatment strategies, current clinical studies in the field of ECD. By integrating these aspects, this review aims to provide a thorough understanding of ECD and its evolving treatment landscape, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes.

Total Hip Replacement in a Patient with Erdheim-Chester's Disease: A Case Report

CASE

Erdheim-Chester's disease (ECD) is a rare multisystem disorder considered as a neoplasm of non-Langerhans cell histiocytes. We report a case of uncemented total hip arthroplasty in a 74-year-old patient with ECD for femoral neck fracture with pathological involvement of distal metaphysis and diaphysis. We reviewed the literature on bony involvement.

CONCLUSION

Adequate osseointegration was achieved in our case; however, longer follow-up is essential. Vigilant reporting of bony involvement, such as pathological fractures, fracture healing, deformities, osteosynthesis, and outcome of joint replacement surgeries, is needed in ECD-like bone diseases.

Erdheim-Chester Disease With Eyelid and Orbital Involvement: A Review of Treatment Modalities at One Institution From 2014 to 2022

PURPOSE

To review all cases of Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) with orbital involvement treated at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, Florida from 2014 to 2022 and compare presentations, treatment modalities, and outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of all patients diagnosed with ECD who presented to Bascom Palmer Eye Institute from 2014 to 2022 was performed. Data collected included demographics, pretreatment history and ophthalmic examination, pathology report, treatment, subsequent examination, and relevant laboratory results. Histopathology, treatments, and outcomes were reviewed and compared between patients.

RESULTS

Four cases were included. Primary treatments included vemurafenib (n = 2), cobimetinib (n = 1), and prednisone (n = 1). All patients demonstrated improvement of ophthalmic symptoms. Vemurafenib was the only medical treatment that was tolerated well and resulted in significant improvement in proptosis despite some reported dry eye; all other medications were discontinued due to intolerable side effects.

CONCLUSIONS

BRAF inhibitors such as vemurafenib have been used as novel therapy in the treatment of ECD. Vemurafenib demonstrated its utility in reducing proptosis in ECD patients at one ophthalmic institution. Vemurafenib may be a favorable treatment option for BRAF -positive ECD patients presenting with orbital disease.

Advances in Understanding and Management of Erdheim-Chester Disease

Erdheim Chester Disease (ECD) is a rare histiocytic disorder marked by infiltration of organs with CD68+ histiocytes. ECD stems from mutations of BRAF and MAP2K1 in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), which further differentiate into monocytes and histiocytes. Histopathology reveals lipid-containing histiocytes, which test positive for CD68 and CD133 in immunohistochemistry. Signs and symptoms vary and depend on the organ/s of manifestation. Definitive radiological results associated with ECD include hairy kidney, coated aorta, and cardiac pseudotumor. Treatment options primarily include anti-cytokine therapy and inhibitors of BRAF and MEK signaling.

Erdheim‑Chester disease of multisystem involvement with delayed diagnosis: A case report and literature review

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare tumor of histiocytic origin, characterized by foamy or lipid-laden histiocytes mixed or surrounded by fibrosis that infiltrate multiple organs. Misdiagnosis is common due to the diversity of clinical presentations. The present study reported a case of ECD with the involvements of bone, cardiac, aorta and retroperitoneum. The patient had no obvious clinical symptoms and no noteworthy foamy histiocytes or Touton giant cells were found on pathological examination, delaying the diagnosis. The patient was a young male found to have pericardial effusion on physical examination, and computed tomography (CT) revealed soft tissue infiltrates in the retroperitoneum and around the aorta. A mediastinal biopsy revealed fibrous connective tissue with small-vessel hyperplasia and acute-chronic inflammatory cell infiltration. The initial diagnosis was retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF), and hormonal and tamoxifen treatments were administered. The patient presented with oliguria, eyelid edema and fever four years later. A repeat CT revealed an increase in the extent of tissue infiltration and pericardial effusion compared with the previous CT. Subsequent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging revealed massive thickening in the form of fibrotic tissue infiltrating the heart and surrounding thoracic and abdominal aorta. Single photon emission CT revealed multiple areas of increased bone metabolism, particularly symmetrical involvement of the long bones of both lower extremities. A biopsy of the perirenal tissue revealed fibrous tissue and a small number of lymphocytes and macrophages [typical foamy histiocytes observed via x200 magnification and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, no presence of xanthogranuloma or Touton giant cells]. After a comprehensive evaluation and ruling out other diseases, the diagnosis of ECD was determined. The prognosis of this disease is poor; early diagnosis is critical and requires accurate judgment by clinicians. Biopsies of all involved sites and refinement of genetic tests to guide treatment, if possible, are both necessary.

Typical Bone Scintigraphy Presentation of Erdheim-Chester Disease in a Patient Diagnosed With IgG4-Related Disease

ABSTRACT

A 50-year-old woman presented a dry syndrome, joint pain, inflammatory syndrome, polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia, and tubulointerstitial nephritis. Imaging studies (including FDG PET/CT) revealed infrarenal retroperitoneal fibrosis with periaortitis and hypermetabolic osteosclerotic lesions. Bone scintigraphy demonstrated intense uptake in the femoral, tibial, and radial regions, suggestive of non-Langerhans histiocytosis, specifically Erdheim-Chester disease. A bone biopsy confirmed the presence of IgG4-positive plasma cells but no histiocytes. The patient received corticosteroid therapy followed by rituximab, resulting in a complete response. This case suggests an atypical manifestation of bone lesions in IgG4-related disease, emphasizing the diagnostic challenge between IgG4-related disease and Erdheim-Chester disease.

Skeletal involvement in Erdheim-Chester disease: Multimodality imaging features and association with the BRAFV600E mutation

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to characterize the distribution of skeletal involvement in Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) by using radiography, computed tomography (CT), 18F-FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), and bone scans, as well as looking for associations with the BRAFV600E mutation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Prospective study of 50 consecutive patients with biopsy-confirmed ECD who had radiographs, CT, 18F-FDG PET/CT, and Tc-99m MDP bone scans. At least two experienced radiologists with expertise in the relevant imaging studies analyzed the images. Summary statistics were expressed as the frequency with percentages for categorical data. Fisher's exact test, as well as odds ratios (OR) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI), were used to link imaging findings to BRAFV600E mutation. The probability for co-occurrence of bone involvement at different locations was calculated and graphed as a heat map.

RESULTS

All 50 cases revealed skeletal involvement at different regions of the skeleton. The BRAFV600E mutation, which was found in 24 patients, was correlated with femoral and tibial involvement on 18F-FDG PET/CT and bone scan. The appearance of changes on the femoral, tibial, fibular, and humeral involvement showed correlation with each other based on heat maps of skeletal involvement on CT.

CONCLUSION

This study reports the distribution of skeletal involvement in a cohort of patients with ECD. CT is able to detect the majority of ECD skeletal involvement. Considering the complementary nature of information from different modalities, imaging of ECD skeletal involvement is optimized by using a multi-modality strategy.

A case report of Erdheim-Chester disease-clinically characterized by recurrent fever, multiple bone destruction, and antinuclear antibodies

Background

Erdheim-Chester disease is a form of histiocytosis. It is an extremely rare illness. Since its discovery, hundreds of cases of this disease have been identified across the globe. Pathologically, the condition is characterized by proliferation of lipid-rich foam-like tissue cells, which is especially prevalent in bones. Approximately 50% of patients develop infiltration into organs other than the bones.

Case description

A patient with fever and bone pain is described in this case report. After visiting multiple hospitals and departments, undergoning battery of investigations, and ruling out other diseases, the patient was pathologically diagnosed with Erdheim-Chester disease after a biopsy of the associated bone destruction. The condition improved with symptomatic therapy.

Conclusion

Numerous clinical symptoms make non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis challenging to diagnose and requires pathological diagnosis. Patients with unexplained multiple bone destruction must be alert against this disease from a clinical standpoint.

Cardiovascular involvement in Erdheim-Chester diseases is associated with myocardial fibrosis and atrial dysfunction

PURPOSE

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare multisystem histiocytosis, whose cardiovascular involvement has not been systematically characterized so far. We aimed to systematically (qualitatively and quantitatively) describe the features of cardiovascular involvement in a large cohort of ECD patients and to evaluate its impact on myocardial fibrosis extension and cardiac function.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Among 54 patients with biopsy-proven ECD, 29 patients (59 ± 12 years, 79% males) underwent 1.5-T CMR using a standardized protocol for qualitative and quantitative assessment of disease localization, evaluation of atrial and ventricular function, and assessment of non-dense and dense myocardial fibrosis.

RESULTS

The right atrioventricular (AV) groove was the most commonly affected cardiac site (76%) followed by the right atrial walls (63%), thoracic aorta (59%), and superior vena cava (38%). Right AV groove involvement, encasing the right ventricular artery, was associated with non-dense myocardial fibrosis in the infero-septal (20/26 patients) and the inferior (14/26 patients) mid-basal left ventricular (LV) wall. In two patients with right AV groove localization, LGE revealed myocardial infarction in the same myocardial segments. Three out of five patients with left AV groove involvement had non-dense LGE on the lateral LV mid-basal wall. Bulky right atrial pseudomass was associated with atrial dysfunction and superior and inferior vena cava stenosis.

CONCLUSIONS

In ECD patients, AV groove localization is associated with LV wall fibrosis in the downstream coronary territories, suggesting hemodynamic alterations due to coronary encasement. Conversely, atrial pseudomass ECD localizations impact on atrial contractility causing atrial dysfunction and are associated with atrio-caval junction stenosis.

Erdheim-Chester disease: diffusion-weighted imaging and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI provide useful information

This is, to our knowledge, the first case report with in-depth analysis of bone marrow and bone lesions with diffusion-weighted imaging and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI in Erdheim-Chester disease to date. We present a case of a 70-year-old woman who was referred for an X-ray of the pelvis, right femur and right knee after complaints of migratory arthralgia in hip and knee five months after an initial hip and knee trauma. Bone lesions on X-ray were identified. This case report highlights the strength and complementary use of modern multimodality multiparametric imaging techniques in the clinical radiological manifestations of Erdheim-Chester disease, in the differential diagnosis and in treatment response assessment, which is classically performed using ¹⁸FDG PET-CT. Erdheim-Chester disease is a rare form of non-Langerhans' cell histiocytosis, mainly affecting individuals in their fifth-seventh decade of life and without sex predominance. Apart from the typical bilateral symmetric lesions in long bone diaphyseal and metaphyseal regions and classically sparing the epiphyses, this multisystemic disease causes significant morbidity by infiltrating critical organs (the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, retroperitoneum, lungs and skin). With non-traumatic bone pain being the most common complaint, Erdheim-Chester disease is diagnosed most often in an incidental setting on imaging. The imaging workup classically consists of a multimodality approach using conventional radiography, CT, MRI, bone scintigraphy and ¹⁸FDG PET-CT. This case report extends this evaluation with diffusion-weighted imaging and dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging techniques.

Cardiac electrical instability in Erdheim-Chester disease: a case report

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare multisystemic disorder of non-Langerhans histiocytic cells with a pleomorphic clinical presentation. It affects bones, skin, central nervous system, pituitary gland, ocular tissue, kidneys and perirenal tissue and lungs. Cardiac involvement presents usually with pericardial effusion and right atrial masses, but rarely with conduction system infiltration and subsequent arrhythmic events. Following the discovery of mutations of activating signaling kinase proteins (BRAF, MEK, ALK), the therapeutic landscape has changed to a more precise targeted treatment. Currently vemurafenib is approved for patient with end-organ dysfunction and BRAF-V600E mutation and the prognosis has dramatically improved. Here we present a case of ECD with electrical instability as main clinically relevant manifestation of cardiac involvement.

Paediatric Erdheim-Chester Disease in the Lateral Ventricle: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis caused by the expression of CD68-positive and CD1a-negative foam tissue cells, which is polar in pediatric patients. The study reports a case of an 8-year-old Chinese boy who presented with polydipsia and polyuria for 4 years, followed by central nervous system symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a large lesion in the lateral ventricle. The histiocytes stained positively for CD68, CD163 and negatively for CD1a, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and langerin, and were partially positive for S100 by immunohistochemical assay. More importantly, BRAFV^600E staining was positive in tissue, and the BRAF^V600E mutations was also detected by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) in the intracranial lesion tissue. According to our review of the literature, this is a rare case of ECD in the ventricle, with a younger age.

Hematological Malignancies and the Kidney

The incidence of hematologic malignancies is on the rise worldwide. Kidney disease is ubiquitous in patients with hematologic malignancies, encompassing a wide spectrum of disorders involving each kidney compartment, including the vasculature, tubules, interstitium, and glomerulus, and there is significant overlap of kidney involvement with each hematologic malignancy. Vascular disorders include both microvascular and macrovascular damage, via thrombotic microangiopathy, hyperleukocytosis, hyperviscosity, and cryoglobulinemia. The tubulointerstitial compartment may be affected by prerenal azotemia and acute tubular injury, but malignant infiltration, tumor lysis syndrome, extramedullary hematopoiesis, cast nephropathy, granulomatous interstitial nephritis, and lysozymuria should be considered in certain populations. Obstructive uropathy may occur due to nephrolithiasis or retroperitoneal fibrosis. Glomerular disorders, including membranoproliferative, membranous, minimal change, and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, can rarely occur. By understanding how each compartment may be affected, care can best be optimized for these patients. In this review, we summarize the widely varied etiologies of kidney diseases stratified by kidney compartment and hematologic malignancy, focusing on demographics, pathology, pathophysiology, mechanism, and outcomes. We conclude with common electrolyte abnormalities associated with hematologic malignancies.

Erdheim-Chester disease presenting as an intracardiac mass and pericardial effusion confirmed by biopsy: a case report

Background

Erdheim–Chester disease (ECD) is a rare non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis that can affect the bones, heart, lungs, brain, and other organs. Cardiovascular involvement is common in ECD and is associated with a poor prognosis. Here, we report a case of ECD presenting as an intracardiac mass and pericardial effusion confirmed by biopsy with sternotomy.

Case summary

A 54-year-old man was admitted because of dyspnoea. He was previously diagnosed with bilateral hydronephrosis and retroperitoneal fibrosis. Echocardiography revealed a large amount of pericardial effusion and echogenic mass on the right atrial (RA) side and atrioventricular (AV) groove. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography-computed tomography (CT) revealed infiltrative mass-like lesions in the RA and AV groove. Pericardial window formation and pericardial biopsy were performed, and the pathologic results showed only pericardial fibrosis with no specific findings. Bone scan revealed increased uptake in the long bones. Considering the high probability of ECD based on the patient’s manifestations and the imaging findings, we performed a cardiac biopsy with median sternotomy despite initial insufficient pathologic results in the pericardial biopsy. The surgical findings included multiple irregular and firm masses on the cardiac wall and large vessels; after obtaining a large amount of suspicious mass, ECD accompanied with CD68 (+) and BRAF V600E mutation was confirmed.

Discussion

Erdheim–Chester disease can be associated with various forms of cardiovascular involvement. Considering the multi-systemic manifestations and difficulty in identifying this rare disease, a comprehensive and meticulous diagnostic work-up is crucial.

Testosterone attenuates hypoxia-induced hypertension by affecting NRF1-mediated transcriptional regulation of ET-1 and ACE

Hypertension induced by hypoxia at high altitude is one of the typical symptoms of high-altitude reactions (HARs). Emerging evidence indicates that endothelial abnormalities, including increases in angiotensin-2 (Ang-2) and endothelin-1 (ET-1), are closely associated with hypertension. Thus, low blood oxygen-induced endothelial dysfunction through acceleration of Ang-2 and ET-1 synthesis may alleviate HARs. In this study, we investigated the effects of hypoxia on rat blood pressure (BP) and endothelial injury. We found that BP increased by 10 mmHg after treatment with 10% O₂ (~5500 m above sea level) for 24 h. Consistently, serum Ang-2 and ET-1 levels were increased along with decreases in NO levels. In endothelial cells, angiotensin-1-converting enzyme (ACE) and ET-1 expression levels were upregulated. Interestingly, nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1) levels were also upregulated, consistent with the changes in ACE and ET-1 levels. We further demonstrated that NRF1 transcriptionally activated ACE and ET-1 by directly binding to their promoter regions, suggesting that the endothelial cell dysfunction induced by hypoxia was due to NRF1-dependent upregulation of ACE and ET-1. Surprisingly, testosterone supplementation showed significant protective effects on BP, while castration induced even higher BPs in rats exposed to hypoxia. We further showed that physiological testosterone repressed NRF1 expression in vivo and in vitro and thereby reduced Ang-2 and ET-1 levels, which was dependent on hypoxia. In summary, we have identified that physiological testosterone protects against hypoxia-induced hypertension through inhibition of NRF1, which transcriptionally regulates ACE and ET-1 expression.

Erdheim-Chester disease with long-standing diabetes insipidus and generalized edema

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare non-Langerhans histiocytosis. ECD is detected more frequently due to increased awareness of healthcare providers and improved diagnostic tools. This report describes a 51-year-old woman with a history of weakness, bone pain, xanthelasma palpebrarum, and diabetes insipidus. ECD is a multisystemic condition with a poor prognosis. This disease should be considered in patients with diabetes insipidus, bone pain, and multiorgan involvements.

BRAF-Mutated Erdheim-Chester Disease: Profound Response to Vemurafenib Visualized With Serial Multimodality Imaging

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is an extremely rare and aggressive non-Langerhans histiocytic disorder. ECD typically presents with bone pain in middle-aged adults, although some patients present with multisystem disease involving the skeleton, central nervous system, cardiovascular system, lungs, and other disease sites. The etiology of ECD is currently unknown, but it is thought to be a reactive or neoplastic disorder. Recently, mutation of the BRAF gene has been found in >50% of ECD cases, and this gene has become a therapeutic target for patients with ECD. Vemurafenib, a BRAF inhibitor, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of ECD. This report presents an elderly male patient with an aggressive phenotype of ECD and highlights the utility of multimodality imaging in monitoring the clinical course and disease response to treatment with vemurafenib.

Central Nervous System Complications of Erdheim-Chester Disease: FDG PET/CT Findings

ABSTRACT

Erdheim-Chester disease is an uncommon non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis. The diagnosis depends on imaging and histological criteria. The most common presentation is the multiple bone lesions with involvement of at least 1 more organ. We present the FDG PET/CT findings of a 19-year-old man who presented with central nervous system symptoms such as progressive polyuria, polydipsia, gait disturbances, and eye pain and was later diagnosed with Erdheim-Chester disease.

Erdheim-Chester disease: a comprehensive review from the ophthalmologic perspective

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare clonal histiocytic neoplasm with less than 1200 documented cases to date. The disease is life-threatening and difficult to recognize, although increasing awareness as well as the integration of clinical, imaging, pathology information , and genetic studies have led to a recent exponential increase in new reported cases. ECD affects multiple organs and systems, including skeletal, neurologic, and cardiovascular. Pulmonary, retroperitoneal, and cutaneous lesions have also been reported in various combinations. Until the discovery that more than half of ECD patients harbor the BRAF-V600E mutation or other mutations in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and RAS pathways, Interferon-a was the first-line treatment. Nowadays BRAF and MEK-inhibitors targeted therapies are the mainstay of treatment. Ophthalmologic involvement occurs in 25% -30% of ECD cases, usually in the form of orbital involvement presenting with exophthalmos and ophthalmoplegia. Other ophthalmologic manifestations include palpebral xanthelasmas, anterior uveitis and vitritis, optic disk edema, choroidal infiltration, recurrent serous retinal detachment, retinal drusen-like deposits and retinal pigment epithelial changes. ECD patients can also present with ocular symptoms as a result of adverse effects of the treatment regimens. In some cases with smoldering or protean symptoms, the emergence of eye manifestations triggered the diagnosis. Ophthalmologists have to be aware of the disease, recognize the constellation of ECD symptoms, and contribute to the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of ECD patients.

Interleukin 1α: a comprehensive review on the role of IL-1α in the pathogenesis and treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases

The interleukin (IL)-1 family member IL-1α is a ubiquitous and pivotal pro-inflammatory cytokine. The IL-1α precursor is constitutively present in nearly all cell types in health, but is released upon necrotic cell death as a bioactive mediator. IL-1α is also expressed by infiltrating myeloid cells within injured tissues. The cytokine binds the IL-1 receptor 1 (IL-1R1), as does IL-1β, and induces the same pro-inflammatory effects. Being a bioactive precursor released upon tissue damage and necrotic cell death, IL-1α is central to the pathogenesis of numerous conditions characterized by organ or tissue inflammation. These include conditions affecting the lung and respiratory tract, dermatoses and inflammatory skin disorders, systemic sclerosis, myocarditis, pericarditis, myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, inflammatory thrombosis, as well as complex multifactorial conditions such as COVID-19, vasculitis and Kawasaki disease, Behcet's syndrome, Sjogren Syndrome, and cancer. This review illustrates the clinical relevance of IL-1α to the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases, as well as the rationale for the targeted inhibition of this cytokine for treatment of these conditions. Three biologics are available to reduce the activities of IL-1α; the monoclonal antibody bermekimab, the IL-1 soluble receptor rilonacept, and the IL-1 receptor antagonist anakinra. These advances in mechanistic understanding and therapeutic management make it incumbent on physicians to be aware of IL-1α and of the opportunity for therapeutic inhibition of this cytokine in a broad spectrum of diseases.

Erdheim Chester disease: a subtle quiddity; the first case reported from Nepal

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare entity throughout the world. This is the first case reported in Nepal. ECD is a rare aggressive, non-Langerhan's histocytosis of unknown origin with classical histological features. The patient usually presents with bone pain or skeletal symptoms along with other constitutional syndrome. Although, no definitive therapy has been approved, interferon-alfa (or Pegylated Interferon-alfa) is considered as initial therapy. In this case report, we found a patient with right-sided localized chest pain for which he was evaluated with bone scan and excisional bone biopsy and its findings support the diagnosis of ECD.

Erdheim-Chester disease

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is characterized by the infiltration of tissues by foamy CD68+CD1a- histiocytes, with 1500 known cases since 1930. Mutations activating the MAPK pathway are found in more than 80% of patients with ECD, mainly the BRAFV600E activating mutation in 57% to 70% of cases, followed by MAP2K1 in close to 20%. The discovery of BRAF mutations and of other MAP kinase pathway alterations, as well as the co-occurrence of ECD with LCH in 15% of patients with ECD, led to the 2016 revision of the classification of histiocytoses in which LCH and ECD belong to the "L" group. Both conditions are considered inflammatory myeloid neoplasms. Ten percent of ECD cases are associated with myeloproliferative neoplasms and/or myelodysplastic syndromes. Some of the most striking signs of ECD are the long bone involvement (80%-95%), as well as the hairy kidney appearance on computed tomography scan (63%), the coated aorta (40%), and the right atrium pseudo-tumoral infiltration (36%). Central nervous system involvement is a strong prognostic factor and independent predictor of death. Interferon-α seems to be the best initial treatment of ECD. Since 2012, more than 200 patients worldwide with multisystem or refractory ECD have benefitted from highly effective therapy with BRAF and MEK inhibitors. Targeted therapies have an overall, robust, and reproducible efficacy in ECD, with no acquired resistance to date, but their use may be best reserved for the most severe manifestations of the disease, as they may be associated with serious adverse effects and as-yet-unknown long-term consequences.

A rare presentation of Erdheim Chester disease in a pediatric patient subsequently cured on the LCH III protocol

Background

Erdheim Chester disease (ECD) is very rare in pediatrics with no standard treatment guidelines. Here we present the case of a pediatric ECD patient who was cured with a Langerhan cell histiocytosis (LCH) directed chemotherapy protocol.

Aim

The aim of the report was to publish this rare presentation of ECD in pediatrics and highlight the complete response obtained to treatment.

Methods

The details of the patient were extracted by a retrospective review of her clinical records.

Results (Case)

An 11 years old girl presented with fever and bone pain. On investigating she had multiple lytic bony lesions scattered throughout her skeleton. A biopsy from one of the bone lesions confirmed the diagnosis to be ECD. ECD is very rare in pediatrics and this case adds to the existing list of 11 previously reported ones. Also, worth mention is the fact that the child presented with isolated skeletal involvement in form of multiple osteolytic lesions. The child was started on the LCH‐III protocol on which she achieved a cure.

Conclusion

Lytic bone lesions in a child may be present in ECD. A subset of ECD may have good response to LCH like chemotherapy.

[Erdheim-Chester disease presenting with bilateral orbital involvement: Report of three cases]

PURPOSE

To report treatment outcomes of orbital tumors associated with Erdheim-Chester disease and to highlight the importance of systemic work-up in patients presenting with bilateral proptosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Three patients with Erdheim-Chester disease, whose initial manifestation was bilateral proptosis, were retrospectively studied. The course of onset, clinical, imaging and histopathological features, systemic associations and response to treatment were reviewed. The main outcome measures were Hertel measurements and orbital tumor regression on imaging studies.

RESULTS

All patients presented with bilateral non-pulsatile proptosis resistant to retropulsion and headeache without specific localization. Magnetic resonance imaging studies showed bilateral intraconal orbital tumors. Incisional biopsy of these tumors demonstrated CD68+, CD1a-, and S100- histiocytic infiltrates consistent with the diagnosis of Erdheim-Chester disease. The BRAFV600E mutation was found in all cases. Systemic work-up revealed asymptomatic bony involvement in the lower extremities, perirenal fibrosis, central nervous system and cardiac involvement. All patients initially received pegylated interferon-α2a, which resulted in excellent responses except for the orbital tumors. Two patients were then treated with vemurafenib, which resulted in rapid regression of the orbital lesions.

CONCLUSION

Pegylated interferon-α was highly effective in the control of cardiac, perirenal, skeletal and cerebral involvement but not the orbital tumors. The infiltrative orbital lesions of Erdheim-Chester disease would appear more responsive to vemurafenib.

Non-neoplastic conditions mimicking peritoneal carcinomatosis at CT imaging

The general appearance of peritoneal carcinomatosis at abdominal CT and other cross-sectional imaging modalities consists of varying amounts of peritoneal-based soft tissue implants (mass-forming or infiltrative), peritoneal fluid, and occasionally calcification. However, a wide variety of common and uncommon neoplastic and non-neoplastic conditions can closely mimic peritoneal carcinomatosis at imaging. Neoplastic mimics of peritoneal carcinomatosis include primary peritoneal and sub peritoneal tumors, as well as peritoneal lymphomatosis and sarcomatosis.Broad categories of non-neoplastic mimics of peritoneal carcinomatosis include tumor-like conditions, systemic processes, atypical infections, and fat-based conditions. For many entities, suggestive or specific patient information and/or CT imaging findings exist that may allow the radiologist to narrow the differential diagnosis. In this article, we review the salient clinical and cross-sectional imaging features of non-neoplastic mimics of peritoneal carcinomatosis and malignancy, with emphasis on the CT findings and the additional clues that may suggest the correct benign diagnosis.

Retroperitoneal Erdheim-Chester disease without skeletal bone involvement mimicking uterine sarcoma with multiple organ involvement

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare type of non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis and is characterized by the diffuse histiocytic infiltration of multiple organs. Retroperitoneal ECD, especially with uterine involvement, is extremely rare. We report about a 73-year-old woman who presented with vaginal spotting for a month and experienced abdominal pain along with pus-like urine. Computed tomography revealed an irregular mass-like lesion in the uterus, possibly a uterine sarcoma, invading the ureter, rectosigmoid, and bladder. A tissue biopsy of the retroperitoneal mass revealed typical morphological and immunohistochemical features of ECD. However, clinical features, especially long bone involvement, did not coincide with ECD, and BRAF V600E gene mutation was not detected. We made a diagnosis of atypical retroperitoneal ECD mimicking uterine sarcoma with multiple organ involvement.

Clinical presentation, imaging and response to interferon-alpha therapy in Erdheim-Chester disease: case-based review

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis associated with BRAFV600E mutations in more than 50% of cases and presenting with 95% with skeletal lesions. However, cutaneous, pulmonary, large vessels and central nervous system involvement can also occur. We report a case of a 25-year-old woman who was admitted in 2018 for exploration of diffuse bone pain and rashes on the face. Her current symptoms had started 14 months earlier and consisted of bone pain, affecting the legs. She had periodic low-grade fever, asthenia and xanthelasma-like papules appeared on face. At admission, physical examination showed bilateral and symmetrical long bone pain, especially in the knees and multiple xanthelasma-like papules around the eyelids, cheeks and chin. Laboratory tests revealed elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging showed multiple mixed bone lesions with a hyperintensive MR signal on PD FS and hypointense signal on T1of the femur and tibia. Bone scintigraphy indicated bilateral and symmetrical metaphyseal and diaphyseal increased uptake. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan showed infiltration of the perirenal fat. Biopsy of the skin revealed histiocytic infiltration, which was CD68-positive and CD100-positive, confirming the diagnosis of ECD. Patient was treated with interferon-α (IFN-α) plus methylprednisolone. After 6 months of treatment her clinical condition partly improved: a reduction of pain on visual analogue scale (VAS) scale, significant decrease of methylprednisolone dose and specific dynamics according to bone MR imaging data, however, no change in symptoms attributed to skin rash was noted. We also provide the literature review results of IFN-α treatment efficacy in Erdheim-Chester disease involving the skin and musculoskeletal system with MR imaging changes.

Effective High-dose Interferon-α Therapy in a 13-Year-Old Girl With Erdheim-Chester Disease

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a proliferative disorder of non-Langerhans histiocytes with a higher incidence in the fifth to seventh decades and rarer occurrence in the pediatric population. Although ECD typically involves bone, it can also affect the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, retro-orbital space, retroperitoneal space, and kidneys, lungs, and skin. A 13-year-old Syrian girl who presented with multisystemic involvement was diagnosed with ECD. The B-Raf proto-oncogene V600E mutation was not detected in ECD lesions. Response to the high-dose interferon-α therapy was excellent in this pediatric patient. In this article, pediatric ECD case reports are also reviewed.

Erdheim-Chester disease

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare but increasingly recognized multi-system disorder. Its diagnosis and treatment require integration of clinical information, imaging studies, and pathology studies. Of note, ECD can now be defined as a clonal myeloid disorder due to mutations which activate mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways and where an inflammatory milieu is important in the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of the disease. Biopsy demonstrating characteristic histopathologic features in addition to clinical and radiographic features, most often sclerosing long bone involvement, is required to establish a diagnosis. Detection of somatic MAPK pathway mutations can also assist in the differential diagnosis of ECD and related histiocytic neoplasms. Also, genetic analysis establishing BRAF and RAS mutational status is critical in all ECD patients, as these features will impact therapy with MAPK inhibition. Therapy is recommended at diagnosis in all patients, except for those patients with minimally symptomatic disease. Prospective therapeutic trials are essential to furthering therapeutic progress in ECD.

Erdheim-Chester disease presenting with cough, abdominal pain, and headache

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare non-Langerhans cell histiocytic disorder. The diagnosis was based on the relationship between radiologic findings, clinical manifestations, and pathologic features of the bone biopsy. We report a case of ECD with unusual presenting symptoms: a 56 year-old man presented with cough, abdominal pain, and recurrent episodes of headache associated without any seizures. Peculiar computer tomography (CT) findings were key for the diagnostic suspicion. Bone biopsy and other radiological investigations confirmed the diagnosis. CT findings can help raise the suspicion of ECD. CT is easy to perform and widely available in comparison with kinetic cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and nuclear imaging. Therefore, CT findings of ECD can reduce the therapeutic delay between diagnosis and therapy prescription.

Multimodal Chorioretinal Imaging in Erdheim-Chester Disease

Purpose

To analyze the subclinical intraocular involvement using multimodal imaging approach in patients affected by Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) without ocular symptoms.

Patients and Methods

In this prospective cross-sectional study, 18 eyes of 9 consecutive patients with ECD were enrolled. Each patient underwent comprehensive ocular examination and extensive multimodal chorioretinal imaging.

Results

None of the patients presented any evidence of chorioretinal localization of disease using multimodal imaging. One patient exhibited a choroidal nevus complicated by active polypoidal choroidal neovascularization. Subretinal hyperreflective material was seen in three eyes, mainly resembling acquired vitelliform lesion. One patient had an isolated intraretinal hemorrhage. Most patients exhibited peripheral vascular abnormalities (ie, microaneurysms, peripheral vascular leakage). Fundus autofluorescence showed faint hyperautofluorescence in eleven eyes.

Conclusion

Intraocular involvement is an extremely rare event of an extremely rare disease. In patients affected by ECD without ocular symptoms, advance multimodal imaging examinations did not show signs of subclinical chorioretinal involvement related to the disease.

Erdheim-Chester disease: An in vivo human model of Mϕ activation at the crossroad between chronic inflammation and cancer

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare histiocytosis characterized by infiltration of multiple tissues by CD68⁺ foamy Mϕs (or 'histiocytes'). Clinical manifestations arise from mass-forming lesions or from tissue and systemic inflammation. ECD histiocytes harbor oncogenic mutations along the MAPK-kinase signaling pathway (BRAF^V600E in more than half of the patients), and secrete abundant pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Based on these features, ECD is considered an inflammatory myeloid neoplasm, and is accordingly managed with targeted kinase inhibitors or immunosuppressive and cytokine-blocking agents. Evidence is emerging that maladaptive metabolic changes, particularly up-regulated glycolysis, represent an additional, mutation-driven feature of ECD histiocytes, which sustains deregulated and protracted pro-inflammatory activation and cytokine production. Besides translational relevance to the management of ECD patients and to the development of new therapeutic approaches, recognition of ECD as a natural human model of chronic, maladaptive Mϕ activation instructs the understanding of Mϕ dysfunction in other chronic inflammatory conditions.

Erdheim-Chester disease with asymmetric talus involvement: A case report

BACKGROUND

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare multi-system or multi-organ histiocytic proliferative disease with diverse clinical manifestations, and the development of the disease is complex, which makes clinical diagnosis and treatment difficult. The characteristic clinical manifestations include multi-organ involvement, especially in the symmetrical diaphysis and metaphysis of the bilateral extremities. ECD with a unilateral talus lesion is extremely rare. Here, we report an unusual case of ECD invading the asymmetric talus and tibia without involving other organs. The patient had good outcome after surgery.

CASE SUMMARY

We report a case of a 67-year-old man who was referred to our outpatient department because of left ankle chronic pain for 5 years, which exacerbated after a foot sprain 6 mo previously. We discovered multiple sclerotic lesions of the tibia and talus on his previous X-ray films, which were initially missed in a local hospital. Therefore, enhanced computer computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging were performed. These examinations showed multiple lesions in the bone marrow cavity of the left tibia, and cortical sclerosis and osteonecrosis of the left talus. Specimens were collected via bone puncture from the two lesions, and a final diagnosis of ECD was confirmed by pathological and immunohistochemical examinations. In addition, other auxiliary examinations including head CT, pulmonary CT, spinal CT, abdominal CT, cardiac ultrasound and thyroid ultrasound showed no obvious abnormalities. The patient underwent surgery for the tibia lesion scraping and talus lesion scraping combined with cement casting. The patient started on a progressive rehabilitation at 4 wk, and felt no pain after surgery. During a 2-year follow-up period, the patient exercised normally without pain, and there were no signs of recurrence.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that surgery treatment may also achieve good results for ECD patients with only bone involvement.

Erdheim-chester disease revealed by diabetes insipidus

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a very rare and aggressive form of non-Langerhans histiocytosis with unclear pathogenesis. Because of the heterogeneity of clinical presentation, diagnosis is often challenging and delayed. Currently, Interferon alpha is the first line treatment that is associated with a better survival. The prognosis is relatively poor, especially in case of neurological and cardiovascular involvement. Herein, we report the case of a 64-year-old Tunisian female patient presenting an aggressive form of ECD revealed by diabetes insipidus and cerebellar ataxia with a diagnosis delay of 4 years. The assessment of disease extent had also shown associated asymptomatic cardiac and bone involvement. Pegylated Interferon alpha was started at high dose allowing disease stabilization. This case illustrates that physicians should be aware of the heterogeneous manifestations of ECD in order to insure an early diagnosis and treatment. Long-term and regular follow-up is crucial because of the risk of disease progression.

Choroidal mass as the first presentation of Erdheim-Chester disease

Purpose

To describe a choroidal mass that proved to be histiocytic choroidal infiltration in Erdheim-Chester disease.

Observations

A 54-years-old Caucasian male presented to our Retina Clinic with a suspect of choroidal melanoma in the left eye. Dilated fundus exam of the left eye showed a yellow-grey lesion along the inferior arcade, with sub-retinal fluid clinically visible. Enhanced depth imaging-OCT (EDI-OCT) showed a dome-shaped choroidal lesion with hyperreflective exudation present between the inner retina and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). On fundus autofluorescence the lesion appeared to have a diffuse speckled hyper-autofluorescent pattern secondary to the exudative subretinal material. On ultrasound, the lesion appeared hyper-echoic and dome-shaped, with a baseline thickness of 6.13 mm. Indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) was performed and showed hypocyanescence of the lesion from the early phases that persisted through the whole exam. Chest CT with contrast showed an abnormal, non-calcific, eccentric thickening of segments of the aorta (“coated aorta”) and PET an abnormally strong labeling of the distal ends of the long bones. An additional proximal tibial biopsy was performed to confirm the diagnosis on histology of Erdheim-Chester disease and the patient was started on oral prednisone. The choroidal mass progressively shrunk and the subretinal exudative material on top partially reabsorbed.

Conclusions and importance

Intraocular involvement in Erdheim-Chester disease is extremely rare but as a result of recent better awareness the number of new diagnosis is increasing. Erdheim-Chester disease should be considered in the differential of every choroidal mass.

Retinal vasculitis with Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis: a case report and review of the literature

Background

Concurrent presentation of retinal vasculitis with mixed sclerotic and lytic bone lesions is rare.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 37-year old woman with a several year history of episodic sternoclavicular pain who presented for rheumatologic evaluation due to a recent diagnosis of retinal vasculitis. We review the differential diagnosis of retinal vasculitis, along with the differential diagnosis of mixed sclerotic and lytic bone lesions. Ultimately, bone marrow biopsy confirmed diagnosis of chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO). Concurrent presentation of CRMO with retinal vasculitis is extremely rare but important to recognize. The patient demonstrated clinical response to prednisone and tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibition (TNF-i).

Conclusion

This case reports and unusual presentation of CRMO spectrum disease involving the sternum and sternoclavicular joint with concurrent retinal vasculitis.