Unravelling diagnostic challenges: A case report of pulmonary langerhans cell histiocytosis with atypical radiologic presentation

This clinical case highlights the diagnostic challenges encountered in a young adult smoker presenting with undifferentiated pulmonary nodules. Initial investigations were inconclusive, necessitating surgical lung biopsy due to the nodules' size and location. The histopathological examination revealed pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (PLCH). This emphasizes the importance of considering PLCH in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary nodules, particularly in smokers. Moreover, it underscores the value of surgical biopsy in cases where other diagnostic techniques are limited. Early recognition and accurate diagnosis are crucial for optimal management and outcomes in PLCH. This clinical case report describes the diagnostic journey of a young adult smoker presenting with undifferentiated pulmonary nodules. Despite initial challenges in diagnosis due to the nodules' size and location, surgical lung biopsy revealed pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (PLCH). This highlights the importance of considering PLCH in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary nodules and underscores the value of surgical biopsy in challenging cases.image