Gastrointestinal involvement in Langerhans' cell histiocytosis (Histiocytosis X): a clinical report of three cases.

The gastrointestinal tract may be involved in Langerhans' cell histiocytosis, either as part of a generalized disease or as a separate primary entity. Three patients with gastrointestinal involvement are described. One patient presented with a history of prolonged vomiting and diarrhoea with blood and mucus. In this case the diagnosis was based on colonic biopsies. Gastrointestinal tract involvement and its investigation in the diagnosis of Langerhans' cell histiocytosis are discussed.