Langerhans cell histiocytosis with periorbital cellulitis

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of Langerhans cell histiocytosis presenting as periorbital cellulitis. DESIGN: Interventional case report. METHODS: A 3-year-old girl presented with periorbital swelling of the right upper lid laterally of two days' duration. A history of recent eye trauma was reported. RESULTS: Computed tomography showed a soft tissue mass that eroded the frontozygomatic suture. The lesion was debulked through a lateral orbitotomy. Electron microscopy disclosed Birbeck granules. Immunohistochemistry stained positively for CD68 and CD1a antigenic determinants. CONCLUSIONS: Although rare, Langerhans cell histiocytosis can cause acute periorbital cellulitis in children. Trauma can induce an inflammatory response, allowing for earlier diagnosis of the orbital lesion.