Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis Presenting with Pneumothorax and Diabetes Insipidus.

Secondary spontaneous pneumothoraces occur in patients with known underlying lung disease. Patients with emphysema, bullae, and cystic lesions in the lungs are at high risk of developing pneumothorax. Cystic lung diseases like Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) can present with complications like pneumothorax. Other common presenting features include maculopapular rashes and bone lesions. It can also be associated with endocrinopathies, most commonly central diabetes insipidus (CDI). We here present a case of a 22-year-old male who presented with pneumothorax, polyuria, and polydipsia. He was diagnosed with LCH on transbronchial lung biopsy, associated with CDI, and was treated with thoracoscopy-guided autologous blood patch for persistent air leak and subcutaneous cytarabine.
(© Journal of the Association of Physicians of India 2024.)