About rosai-dorfman disease

What is rosai-dorfman disease?

Rosai-Dorfman disease is a rare disorder characterized by overproduction (proliferation) and accumulation of a specific type of white blood cell (histiocyte) in the lymph nodes of the body (lymphadenopathy), most often those of the neck (cervical lymphadenopathy). In some cases, abnormal accumulation of histiocytes may occur in other areas of the body besides the lymph nodes (extranodal). These areas include the skin, central nervous system, kidney, and digestive tract. The symptoms and physical findings associated with Rosai-Dorfman disease vary depending upon the specific areas of the body that are affected. The disorder predominantly affects children, adolescents or young adults. The exact cause of Rosai-Dorfman disease is unknown.

What are the symptoms for rosai-dorfman disease?

The symptoms and physical findings associated with Rosai-Dorfman disease vary greatly from one person to another depending upon the extent of the disorder and the specific organ systems affected. Some cases may only affect the lymph nodes and may not cause any serious complications. Less often, some cases may affect various organ systems of the body and may potentially cause serious complications. Any organ system of the body may become affected.

In most cases, affected individuals exhibit painless Swelling or enlargement of affected lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy), most often those of the neck (cervical lymphadenopathy). Many individuals with Rosai-Dorfman disease do not develop any additional symptoms of the disorder (asymptomatic).

In some cases, affected individual may experience nonspecific symptoms that are common to many different conditions including fever, paleness of the skin (pallor), unintended weight loss, a general feeling of ill health (malaise) and a chronically runny nose (rhinitis). In extremely rare cases, affected individuals may experience abnormal enlargement of the liver and/or spleen (hepatosplenomegaly).

In approximately 43 percent of cases, other areas of the body besides the lymph nodes may also be affected (extranodal). Some individuals may have extranodal disease without the presence of lymphadenopathy. The skin is the most common extranodal site. Skin Lesions associated with Rosai-Dorfman disease are usually yellow or purple. A reddish rash-like Inflammation of the skin (erythema), small solid elevations on the skin (papules), or knots visible under the skin (nodules) may be present. Skin Lesions may occur anywhere on the body, but most often affect the head and neck. In some cases, Skin abnormalities precede the development of lymphadenopathy.

The salivary glands, nasal cavity, upper respiratory tract, various bones, and the eyes and eye sockets (orbits) may also be affected. In rare cases, the central nervous system, digestive system, or the kidneys may be affected. Involvement of these areas may result in additional (secondary) symptoms. For example, loss of vision may occur secondary to the involvement of the eyes, and Seizures may occur secondary to involvement of the central nervous system. In some cases of Rosai-Dorfman disease, the accumulation of histiocytes into masses may cause compression of vital organs potentially resulting in serious complications.

In some cases, the lymph nodes may not be affected. Instead a specific area of the body such as the skin, a solitary bone, or the central nervous system may be affected. These cases may be known as isolated Rosai-Dorfman disease. A distinct type of isolated Rosai-Dorfman disease has been identified called cutaneous Rosai-Dorfman disease, in which only the skin is affected. Initial reports indicate that cutaneous Rosai-Dorfman disease is more common in female adults.

What are the causes for rosai-dorfman disease?

The exact cause of Rosai-Dorfman disease is unknown (idiopathic), but it does not seem to be of neoplastic nature. Researchers have suggested that the disorder may be caused by an infectious agent, immunodeficiency, or autoimmunity.

Symptoms of Rosai-Dorfman disease develop due to the overproduction and accumulation of histiocytes in the channels (sinuses) that allow for the passage of lymph (sinus histiocytosis).

What are the treatments for rosai-dorfman disease?

In many cases, the symptoms of Rosai-Dorfman disease may disappear without treatment (spontaneous remission) within in months or a few years. Clinical observation without treatment is preferred for individuals with Rosai-Dorfman disease whenever possible. In many cases, no therapy will be necessary.

In some cases, various treatment options may become necessary. In these cases, the treatment of Rosai-Dorfman disease is directed toward the specific symptoms that are apparent in each individual. Several different treatment options have been used to treat individuals with Rosai-Dorfman disease including surgical removal of histiocytic lesions. In more serious cases, additional treatment options have included therapy with certain drugs including steroids (e.g., prednisone), alfa-interferon, and a regimen of certain anticancer drugs (chemotherapy). In some cases, affected individuals have shown improvement of symptoms with these treatments. In other cases, drug therapies have been ineffective.

Other treatment is symptomatic and supportive.

Is there a cure/medications for rosai-dorfman disease?

Rosai-Dorfman syndrome is a rare disease that leads to the accumulation of overly produced white blood cells in the lymph node of the body, particularly in the neck. Moreover, it may also affect other parts of the body.

  • These enlarged nodes are present on both sides of the neck, which may swell over time.
  • However, most of the time Rosai- Dorfman syndrome doesn’t require treatment, but if the doctor finds you in severe condition, he might diagnose you with the following:
     
  • CT scan to check internal of the body using X-rays and images
  • MRI is A medical technique to use magnetic fields and computer-generated waves to get the observation of the body’s organs.
  • Ultrasound is used to get images of the tissues, organs, and other structures of the body through sound waves.
  • A bone scan is used to get nuclear images to treat and diagnose the condition:


Treatments for the Rosai-Dorfman syndrome:

  • Surgery to treat swelled lymph nods and treat overproduction of the white blood cells.
  • Chemotherapy to suppress the overgrowth of the white blood cells
  • Radiation therapy treats the overproduction of the cells and lymph nodes in the body. It helps to shrink the swelled nodes.
  • Corticosteroids relieve the inflamed and swelled area.
  • A low dose of oral thalidomide is effective for treating Rosai-Dorfman syndrome.


Symptoms
Enlarged nodes are present on both sides of the neck, which may swell over time
Conditions
Accumulation of overly produced white blood cells in the lymph node of the body, particularly in the neck
Drugs
Surgery,Chemotherapy,Radiation theraphy,Corticosteroids,Oral thalidomide

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