Isolated rib langerhans cell histiocytosis in an adult: a case report and literature review

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare myeloid tumor characterized by clonal proliferation of Langerhans cells. Among all LCH patients, isolated rib LCH in adults is extremely uncommon. Its clinical presentation and PET/CT findings closely resemble those of malignant tumors, often leading to misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis. This study aims to systematically describe the clinical and imaging characteristics of this disease and its differential diagnosis through a case report combined with existing literature on rib LCH. A 32-year-old male presented with right lower chest wall pain and right upper limb numbness. PET/CT revealed osteolytic destruction of the right 7th rib. The patient underwent partial resection of the right 7th rib. Postoperative immunohistochemical examination confirmed LCH. Follow-up demonstrated good recovery with no new organ involvement, progression, or recurrence. This case report underscores the rarity of isolated rib LCH in adults and highlights its distinctive clinical and radiographic features. By reviewing isolated rib LCH cases over the past decade, it provides clinicians with diagnostic and therapeutic reference for this condition.