Adult-onset asthma associated with periocular xanthogranuloma: new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in a very rare systemic disease.

PURPOSE: To report some novel findings concerning the systemic manifestations and treatment of adult-onset asthma and periocular xanthogranuloma, a rare type of non-Langerhans histiocytosis that can lead to important visual dysfunction.

METHODS

A retrospective case series of 2 patients was evaluated for orbital and systemic manifestations using fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT and/or orbital MRI. Histological specimens were reviewed in all patients. Oral prednisone was initiated at 1 mg/kg daily and gradually tapered to a minimum effective dose. Efficacy was assessed on the basis of an objective observation of decreased swelling.

RESULTS

One patient displayed original uptake foci involving intrathoracic lymphadenopathies, the trajectory of the paraumbilical vein and perirectal fat. Low-dose prednisone was able to induce a durable response in the authors' patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT may be useful for the diagnostic workup and follow-up assessment of patients with adult-onset asthma and periocular xanthogranuloma. Oral corticosteroids can be used successfully as first-line treatment in such patients.