Imaging manifestations of liver Langerhans cell histiocytosis / 中国医学影像技术

ABSTRACT

Objective: To investigate CT and MRI manifestations of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) involving the liver in children. Methods: CT and MRI findings of 22 children with LCH involving the liver were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Hepatomegaly was found in all 22 children, while widening of Glisson sheath and track sign and halo sign of portal area were observed in 20 cases. CT showed low density in 16 cases, 5 cases showed mild to moderate enhancement, and MRI showed high signal intensity in 4 cases and 2 cases showed mild enhancement of T2WI. Fourteen children presented multiple nodules in the liver, with diameters of 0.51-2.35 cm, distributed along the portal vein in 10 cases and diffusely distributed in 4 cases. Among them, CT showed low densities in 11 cases and 5 cases showed mild to moderate enhancement, while T1WI showed low signal intensities and T2WI showed high signal intensities in 3 cases and 2 cases showed mild enhancement. Intrahepatic bile duct alternative stenoses/dilatation were noticed in 8 cases. Conclusion: CT and MRI findings of LCH involving the liver in children have certain characteristics.