Langerhans' cell histiocytosis - A rare cause of sudden onset unilateral sensorineural hearing loss

I. Hore, R. B. Mitchell, G. Radcliffe, R. Quiney, T. Walker

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Langerhans' cell histiocytosis is a rare disorder of unknown aetiology in which pathological Langerhans' cells accumulate and destroy local tissue. We report a 38-year-old female who presented with a sudden onset of left sensorineural hearing loss. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a contrast-enhancing lesion in the left mastoid and a second lesion in the hypothalamus. Following left mastoid exploration and biopsy a definitive diagnosis of Langerhans' cell histiocytosis was made and the patient was treated with external beam radiotherapy. Subsequent right femur and right mastoid involvement were successfully treated with steroids and cytotoxic chemotherapy. At one year follow-up the patient had residual left-sided sensorineural hearing loss with normal hearing in the right ear. To our knowledge, Langerhans' cell histiocytosis has not been previously reported as a cause of unilateral sudden onset sensorineural hearing loss. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis of this condition.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1098-1100
Number of pages3
JournalJournal of Laryngology and Otology
Volume113
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - 1999

Keywords

  • Hearing loss, sensorineural
  • Histiocytosis, Langerhans' cell

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Otorhinolaryngology

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