Refractory Erdheim-Chester disease
What is Refractory Erdheim-Chester Disease?
Refractory Erdheim-Chester Disease (rECD) is an extremely rare disorder that is considered an aggressive and fatal form of the rare histiocytosis group of diseases. It is often labeled as an orphan disease, as it affects very few people and there is limited research and understanding of the condition.
rECD is characterized by the abnormal proliferation of histiocytes, a type of immune cell that is essential for immunity against infection and found abundantly in mucosal and connective tissues. Histiocytes amass in various organs and tissues and cause the formation of lesions that can lead to functional impairment. A typical organ involved is the lung, in which the lesions can generate breathing difficulties.
Signs and Symptoms of rECD
The signs and symptoms of rECD depend on the parts of the body that the histiocytic lesions target, which makes the condition highly variable among different individuals. Some of the most frequently encountered clinical manifestations of the disorder include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Inflammation of the kidney or skin
- Enlargement of the spleen and liver
- Cognitive impairment
- Pain in the head, chest, and extremities
- Fever, fatigue, weight loss
In more than a quarter of the cases, the occurrence of pulmonary hypertension can occur due to the presence of lesions in the lungs.
Diagnosis and Treatment of rECD
The diagnosis of rECD can be challenging, as the symptoms and medical signs are usual for many other medical conditions too. As such, the diagnosis is usually made through a combination of radiological imaging, tissue biopsy, and the detection of auto-antibodies.
Treatment for the condition usually involves chemotherapy or radiation therapy. In some cases, the use of corticosteroids is also beneficial, although they may be more useful in controlling symptoms than in treating the condition. In some situations, high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplantation is considered, but this should be done under specialist care.
As with any medical condition, it is important to seek medical advice if you believe that you may be showing symptoms of rECD. Early diagnosis and treatment is the key to successful management of the condition, and it is always best to consult your healthcare professional if you are worried about your health.