Localized Erdheim-Chester disease involving the thyroid gland—a case report

Abstract Background Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare multisystemic histiocytic disorder of unknown etiology. Isolated neck involvement has not been reported in literature. Case presentation An elderly male presented to our outpatient department with neck swelling of 1-month duration. Contrast...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Anup Singh, Dheeraj Gautam, Poonam Gautam, Mubashshirul Haq, Aru Chhabra Handa, Kumud Kumar Handa
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SpringerOpen 2021-02-01
Series:The Egyptian Journal of Otolaryngology
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s43163-021-00087-9
Description
Summary:Abstract Background Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare multisystemic histiocytic disorder of unknown etiology. Isolated neck involvement has not been reported in literature. Case presentation An elderly male presented to our outpatient department with neck swelling of 1-month duration. Contrast-enhanced CT scan of the neck showed a mass involving the left thyroid/perithyroidal tissue with encirclement of the common carotid artery. Tru-Cut biopsy with immunohistochemistry showed CD68+, CD1a- histiocytic infiltrates with Touton giant cells compatible with ECD. BRAF V600E mutation came out to be positive. PET-CT did not reveal involvement of any other body organs. After counseling for further treatment options, the patient chose to follow up without any active treatment. The disease has not progressed at a follow-up of 1 year. Conclusion We present a case of ECD involving the thyroid gland in isolation. Absence of other organ involvement should not deter the treating physician from considering the possibility of ECD. Immunohistochemistry and testing for BRAF V600E mutation are important from the diagnostic as well as potential therapeutic point of view.
ISSN:1012-5574
2090-8539