A very rare condition that can affect many organs of the body and so there can be a range of symptoms depending on the organs affected.
Increase in blood cells (myeloid cells) in the bone marrow causes the hardening and weight of bones and increases the weight of tissue in the affected organs.
This causes the affected tissue to become thickened and dense which stops the organs functioning properly
Parts of body affected:
Bone (usually long bones of the legs and arms but also knees, shins, ankles, arms, and rarely in the lower jaw, facial bones, and spinal column)
Pain – this may be specific to one area or more widespread, sometimes associated with muscle pain
Kidney
Lower back pain, reduced kidney function/painful or difficult urination
Retroperitoneum (a part of the internal abdominal wall)
Abdominal or lower back pain, painful or difficult urination
Skin/Eyelids
Rash or soft, fatty, yellow bumps
Brain (brain stem and cerebellum)
Difficulty with coordination, staggering gait, slurred speech, behavior disorders, and rapid, involuntary eye movement (nystagmus). Diabetes insipidus is common
Lung
Dry cough, shortness of breath with exercise
Eyes (tissue behind the eyes/eyelids)
Pain and redness, bulging eyes, difficulty with vision including double vision, yellow bumps on the eyelids
Heart
Shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling of feet, ankles, and lower legs
Additional Symptoms
Weight loss, fever, muscle and joint aches, night sweats, weakness/fatigue, and increased tendency to get infections
Histiocytosis Association
Cause
Increase in a type of blood cell (myeloid cells) which builds up in areas around the body
Excessive production and accumulation of histiocytes within multiple tissues and organs.
Histiocytes are large phagocytic cells (macrophages) that normally play a role in responding to infection and injury. (A phagocytic cell is any “scavenger cell” that engulfs and destroys invading microorganisms or cellular debris.)
Mutations of the BRAF V600E gene
Source: thasso
Source: thasso
Source: NuCleaR MuNkeE 'test shows where blood cells deposit'
Symptoms
Increased bone density and hardening of bones causing bone pain?
Headache which is on and off or a constant headache longer than 24 hours?
High temperature greater than 38°C (100°F) or over and/or chills and sweats longer than 72 hours?
Night sweats?
General discomfort (muscle weakness), uneasiness or ill feeling (malaise) and/or fatigue (tiredness)?
Balance and dizziness?
Blurred vision?
Rapid, uncontrolled eye movement?
Yellow nodule or patches around the eye which range in size of 2mm–30mm, Flat-surfaced and has distinct borders (well-defined that does not usually go away on its own and/or More lesions developing or existing ones grow bigger and/or are Non- itchy or tender?
Shortness of breath/breathing difficulties?
Jaw pain and/or difficulty chewing, swallowing talking and/or slurred speech and/or difficulty in opening the mouth and /or difficult to eat?
Heart palpitations and/or irregular heartbeat?
Chest pain?
Recurrent chest infections?
Long term persistent indigestion and/or frequent heartburn or constant abdominal pain?
Unexplained weight loss?
Increase thirst, heavy sweating and need to urinate frequently?
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Erdheim-Chester Disease in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
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