Langerhans cell histiocytosis presenting as uncontrolled asthma.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is an uncommon disorder affecting primarily young adult smokers. It is characterized by abnormal proliferation of Langerhans cells, specialized monocyte-macrophage lineage antigen-presenting cells. LCH can affect the lungs in isolation or as part of a systemic disease.

Evaluation of exertional dyspnea in the active duty patient: the diagnostic approach and the utility of clinical testing.

Introduction: Minimal information currently exists on how clinicians should approach the evaluation of the young patient with exertional dyspnea. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of specific diseases and the most useful tests to establish the diagnosis in an active duty military population presenting with exertional dyspnea.

Methods: A total of 105 active duty military patients with complaints of exertional dyspnea and 69 active duty military asymptomatic controls were evaluated at a pulmonary disease clinic at an Army tertiary care center.