Resolution and Re-ossification of Orbital-Wall Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis Following Stereotactic Needle Biopsy.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disease that encompasses a spectrum of clinical syndromes. It is characterized by the proliferation and infiltration of white blood cells into organs or organ systems. Reports of management of these lesions have included biopsy, resection, curettage, radiation, and/or chemotherapy.  A 40-year-old man presented with a history of right proptosis and retro-orbital pain and was found to have a lytic mass involving the greater wing of the sphenoid extending into the right orbit. A stereotactic needle biopsy using neuronavigation demonstrated this to be LCH. After no further treatment, the mass spontaneously resolved, with virtual normalization of the orbital magnetic resonance imaging at 10 months following the needle biopsy. The bony defect of the temporal bone caused by the mass also re-ossified following the needle biopsy.  This report highlights the potential for an isolated LCH lesion to regress after simple needle biopsy, an outcome only rarely reported previously. Thus, expectant management of such lesions following biopsy or initial debridement should be considered prior to proceeding with additional treatment.