Disseminated Langerhans' cell histiocytosis associated with diabetes insipidus and diabetes mellitus

Introduction, - Langerhans' cell histiocytosis is a rare disorder of unknow n etiology characterized by a wide clinical spectrum and varied behavior. D iabetes insipidus is a relatively common feature in Langerhans' cell histio cytosis. The presence of both diabetes insipidus and mellitus associated wi th histiocytosis in an adult is rare. To our knowledge, only three previous cases have been reported. Exegesis. - We report the clinical presentation, pathologic findings and cl inical progress in an adult female who had disseminated Langerhans' cell hi stiocytosis (hypothalamic infiltration, multifocal bone involvement) associ ated with both diabetes insipidus and mellitus. Conclusion, - The pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus in such an association will be discussed. (C) 2001 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SA S.