Otic Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis in Adults: A Report of Two Cases

Abstract

We presented two cases of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) in which the temporal bone and hearing center in the brain stem were affected. We discuss the diagnosis and management of this disease and how it presents if the temporal bone is involved. The first case involved a patient with destructive lesions in the temporal bone, who responded to medical management, while the second case involved a patient with brain stem lesions, who did not improve on chemotherapy. The findings from these two cases suggest that a differential diagnosis of LCH should be considered in patients with persistent ear discharge or hearing loss that does not respond to conventional antibiotic treatment, and that imaging studies are required for any atypical presentation.

Temporal Bone Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis: An Uncommon Bilateral Presentation

“…The presentation of LCH with ear involvement can manifest as any of the following conditions: a polyp or mass in the canal of the external ear, swelling in the postauricular region, chronic inflammation of the external ear or middle ear, conductive hearing loss, vertigo, and sometimes, paralysis of the facial nerve [ 12 ], or, least likely, sensorineural hearing loss [ 8 ]. Swelling of soft tissue, conductive hearing loss, and otorrhea are seen more often in lesions of the temporal bone.…”