Langerhans cell histiocytosis on fine needle aspiration cytology

Langerhans cell histiocytosis [LCH] is a rare disease characterized by clonal proliferation of Langerhans cells

We report a case of a five-year-old female presented with back pain and scoliosis. Radiological studies revealed lytic swelling with paravertebral soft tissue extension. Reports on cytology of paravertebral soft tissue extension of LCH are rare

CT scan guided fine needle aspiration from the spine was performed. A diagnosis of LCH was made based on the cytological and radiological findings. Subsequent histology and immunohistochemical stains also confirmed the diagnosis of LCH

Spontaneous migration of a central line catheter into the heart

Spontaneous migration of central line catheter into the heart is extremely rare complication after initial placement. To present two cases with unusual central venous line-related complication. Retrospective review. Surgical and Pediatric Oncology Departments, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Kingdom of Bahrain. The charts of two patients with spontaneous migration of port-a-cath catheter into the heart presented to the surgical department [between January 2006 to March 2007] were reviewed. The first patient is 12 years old female, a known case of acute lymphoblastic leukemia [ALL] and Down's syndrome, presented with failure to aspirate the central line after 3 months of port-a-cath catheter insertion. The second patient is 7 years old male, known case of acute lymphoblastic leukemia presented with non-functioning line after 5 months of insertion of port-a-cath catheter. Chest x-rays of both patients confirmed the migration of the catheter into the heart. The catheter in the first case was removed by percutaneous retrieval by loop-snare technique, and in the second case the catheter was removed by open neck surgery. Spontaneous migration of port-a-cath catheter into the heart is a rare complication. Chest x-ray is essential to provide early detection and management of migrated catheter. Early diagnosis and removal of the catheter is the rule in all cases