Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis with prominent skin lesions and arthritis: A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis (MRH) is a rare non-Langerhans histiocytosis of unknown etiology characterized by papulonodular skin lesions and progressive, erosive arthritis. To date, there have been approximately 300 cases of MRH reported worldwide. The majority of patients are Caucasian from western countries, and Asian patients are rare. Here, we report a case of MRH in a Chinese patient.

CASE SUMMARY

A 38-year-old male was admitted to the hospital with a rash that had persisted for over 2 years and bilateral knee pain for over 1 year. The patient’s symptoms had previously been misdiagnosed as eczema when there were only skin symptoms and was finally diagnosed as MRH after a skin biopsy of the left upper back. The patient was treated with glucocorticoids combined with an immunosuppressive regimen. While the skin lesions on both arms, abdomen, and back subsided, the skin lesions on the rest of the body did not increase. The interphalangeal joints of both thumbs and bilateral knee joints remained swollen and painful.

CONCLUSION

The case will help clinicians better identify and treat this disease in the absence of epidemiological studies or randomized controlled data.

Key Words: Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis; Papulonodular skin lesions; Arthritis; CD68; Case report

Core Tip: Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis (MRH) is a rare non-Langerhans histiocytosis of unknown etiology characterized by papulonodular skin lesions and progressive, erosive arthritis. To date, there have been approximately 300 cases of MRH reported worldwide. However, the majority of patients are Caucasian from western countries, and Asian patients are rare. Here, we report a case of MRH in a Chinese patient. We also review the relevant literature and comprehensively analyze the clinical characteristics of MRH. This case report and comprehensive analysis will help clinicians better identify and treat this disease in the absence of epidemiological studies or randomized controlled data.

INTRODUCTION

Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis (MRH) is a rare multisystemic disease of unknown etiology characterized by papulonodular skin lesions and erosive arthritis. MRH is classified as non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis class II b according to the recommendations of the Histiocyte Society. There is currently no published data on the incidence and prevalence of MRH. To date, there have been approximately 300 reported cases of MRH worldwide. Moreover, the majority of patients are Caucasian from western countries and Asian patients are rare. Here, we report a case of MRH in China and provide a comprehensive analysis of the clinical characteristics of MRH.

CASE PRESENTATION

Chief complaints

A 38-year-old male was admitted to our hospital with a rash that had persisted for over two years and bilateral knee pain for over one year.

History of present illness

In May 2017, a small red dotted rash appeared on the inner side of the patient’s right thigh slightly above the skin surface, without itching. By September 2017, the rash on the patient’s right thigh had gradually increased in size from a small dot to a chrysanthemum-like pattern. In July 2018, millet-like, brownish-red papules appeared on the left thigh, symmetrically positioned with the right leg. This was followed by the appearance of similar rashes on the back of the ear, neck, shoulder, and back. The patient was diagnosed with eczema by a foreign hospital and was prescribed an ointment (details unknown) for external application without improvement. In September 2018, he was diagnosed with MRH following a skin biopsy obtained from the left upper back in our hospital. In November 2018, the patient was administered oral treatment with tripterygium glycosides for two months at Peking Union Medical College Hospital (exact dosage unknown). He subsequently ceased taking the medicine upon the development of liver damage. From September 2019, red macules and millet-like brown-red papules appeared on the anterior chest area, waist, and abdomen. After re-visiting our hospital, he began taking 8 mg/d oral methylprednisolone, and was administered 0.6 g cyclophosphamide in October 2019 by venous transfusion. Subsequently, the patient took 8 mg/d oral methylprednisolone irregularly without improvement of the skin lesions and joint symptoms. In January 2020, multiple round and oval nodules that were brownish red, hard, with a smooth surface, no rupture, approximately 2-8 mm in size appeared on the back of both hands. The patient had difficulty making a fist with both hands and exhibited a deformity in the distal interphalangeal joints of both hands in flexion. Beginning in July 2020, sesame-sized maculopapules appeared on both of the patient’s arms; pain in both knees was aggravated with swelling; and squatting was limited. The patient had no fever, myalgia, oral ulcers, or Raynaud's phenomenon, was in good spirits, and had no loss of appetite. No significant changes were observed regarding the patient’s weight throughout the course of the illness.

History of past illness

The patient had no previous medical history.

Personal and family history

The patient denied a history of smoking and alcohol consumption; denied drug addiction; no history of exposure to industrial poisons, dust, and radioactive substances. There is no similar family history and family genetic disease is denied.

Physical examination

On physical examination, the patient was in a good general condition. A brownish-red maculopapular rash densely covered behind the ears, neck, shoulder, anterior chest, back, waist, abdomen, arms, and inner thighs. Multiple round and oval nodules, 2-8 mm in size, reddish-brown, hard, without rupture, and without pressure pain were observed on the back of both hands (Figure 1) and was associated with poor mobility. The oral mucosa and tongue were not involved. Grade V muscle strength of the extremities was observed. The patient had a "gooseneck-like" deformity involving 2-5 fingers of both hands, swelling of the interphalangeal joints of both thumbs, difficulty making a fist, swelling of the bilateral knee joints with pressure-associated pain, and limited capacity for squatting.

Figure 1 Skin lesions of the patient. A-E: Skin-colored, brownish-red, millet to mung bean-sized maculopapules were observed on the patient’s neck, chest, waist, abdomen, and arms; F: Multiple round or oval nodules, 2-8 mm in size, reddish-brown, hard, and unbroken were observed on both hands.

Laboratory examinations

The laboratory tests revealed that liver function, biochemistry, blood lipid level, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, tumor markers, and thyroid function were normal. The complete set of autoantibodies was negative. The patient was negative for anti-keratin antibodies and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies < 5 relative units (RU)/mL. Anti-anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (anti-ANCA) was negative, anti-myeloperoxidase (anti-MPO), and anti-proteinase 3 (anti-PR3) were < 20 RU/mL. Routine blood count: platelets 361 × 10⁹/L and monocyte count 0.63 × 10⁹/L. Bone turnover marker: type I collagen carboxy-terminal peptide 1198.00 pg/mL. Immune function: immunoglobulin G 16.3 g/L, and C3 0.76 g/L.

Imaging examinations

Radiographs of both hands revealed that multiple interphalangeal joints and the intercarpal joints of both hands were narrowed. In addition, the bone density of the constituent bones of the joints was reduced, cystic translucent areas were observed, and the left radial carpal joint was narrowed (Figure 2A). Knee MRI revealed a Grade 2 injury to the anterior and posterior angles of the medial and lateral menisci of the left knee; degeneration of the left knee, osteochondral injury to the patellofemoral articular surface; dotted film shadow of the synovial membrane around the left knee; possible synovitis; and effusion in the left knee joint cavity and suprapatellar bursa (Figure 2B). Chest CT revealed interstitial inflammation in both lungs; bilateral interlobular cleft nodules with recommended follow-up; fibrous foci in both lower lobes of the lungs; and cystic foci in the right subscapularis muscle (Figure 2C).

Figure 2 Imaging examinations of the patient. A: Radiographs of both hands. Narrowing of the interphalangeal and intercarpal joint spaces in both hands, reduced bone density of the joint components, visible cystic translucent areas, and narrowing of the radial carpal joint on the left side were observed; B: Knee MRI. Osteochondral damage of the patellofemoral articular surface and fluid accumulation in the left knee joint cavity and suprapatellar capsule were observed; C: HRCT of the chest. There was interstitial inflammation present in both lungs; bilateral interlobular fissure nodules; focal fibrosis in both lower lobes of the lungs; and cystic foci in the right subscapularis muscle.

PATHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION

Microscopic, pathological analysis of a skin biopsy taken from the left upper back revealed that the epidermis was generally normal. The dermal papillae showed an increase in the number of histiocytes and multinucleated giant cells with abundant cell cytoplasm and hairy glass-like changes, with a little lymphatic and eosinophilic infiltration around them (Figure 3A). Immunohistochemistry showed CD68(+), CD1a(-), and S100(-) (Figure 3B-D). In an iliac bone aspiration biopsy, the morphological analysis of the bone marrow cells did not exhibit any significant abnormalities in the granulocyte-red-macro triad. The pathological examination revealed hematopoiesis. There was an approximately 40%:60% fat, granulocyte-red ratio < 2.5:1, Alip-, and scattered megakaryocyte lineage, with no obvious tumor component.

Figure 3 Pathological examination of the patient’s skin. A: Histopathology of the skin from the left upper back. The epidermis was generally normal, and the dermal papillae showed an increased number of histiocytes and multinucleated giant cells with abundant cell cytoplasm and hairy glass-like changes, with a little surrounding lymphatic and eosinophilic infiltration (HE 40×). Immunohistochemical staining: B: CD68-positive; C: CD1a negative; and D: S-100 negative (SP×100).

FINAL DIAGNOSIS

The final diagnosis of the presented case is MRH.

TREATMENT

As treatment, the patient began taking 16 mg/d oral methylprednisolone tablets regularly on November 2020. The methylprednisolone was reduced to 12 mg/d during February 2021-April 2021, and methylprednisolone was reduced to 8 mg/d from May 2021 onwards. On 30 November and 15 December 2020, 0.4 g cyclophosphamide was intravenously administered once. On 29 December 2020 and 26 January 2021, 0.6 g cyclophosphamide was intravenously administered once. Since then, 0.8 g cyclophosphamide has been administered regularly every month, and blood count, liver, and kidney function have been monitored (Figure 4).

Figure 4 Timeline summarizing the patient’s disease process.

OUTCOME AND FOLLOW-UP

At present, skin lesions on both arms, abdomen, and back had subsided, while the skin lesions on the rest of the body had not increased elsewhere. The interphalangeal joints of both thumbs and bilateral knee joints remained swollen and painful. Thus, we recommend TNF-α antagonists as treatment for patients who are under consideration. The patient treatment and follow up are ongoing.

DISCUSSION

MRH is a rare multisystemic granulomatous disease and non-Langerhans histiocytosis. Papulonodular skin lesions and destructive arthritis are the two prominent features of MRH. MRH was first identified and reported by Weber and Frudenthal in 1937 and termed Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis by Goltz and Laymon in 1954[1]. While the pathogenesis of MRH remains unclear and may be related to the infiltration of a large number of macrophages in the skin and synovial tissues, it may also be associated with the differentiation of monocytes into osteoclasts, which ultimately leads to joint destruction[2]. To date, there have been approximately 300 cases of MRH reported worldwide. The data demonstrate that most patients are Caucasian and from western countries, whereas Asian patients are rare. The peak age at onset is 40-50 years old, with a male to female ratio of 1:3[3,4].

Skin lesions

The skin is the most frequently involved site of MRH. Skin lesions may be the first symptom and are primarily distributed on the face, scalp, behind the ears, neck, anterior chest, back, waist, and abdo{Adamopoulos, 2006 #12}men, arms, hands, and thigh. The manifestations of skin lesions include papular nodules and macules. Papular nodules appear above the skin surface, are hemispherical in shape, hard in texture, millet to soy size, and are usually not accompanied by pruritus. The papular nodules can be of various colors, including skin color, red, and reddish-brown. The small papules are arranged in a linear "coral bead" pattern at the nail folds. In severe cases, facial lesions may have a "lion-like appearance"[5]. Macula is another form of skin lesions that manifest as brown-red and purplish red edematous spots, similar in morphology and distribution to dermatomyositis rash, which is occasionally accompanied by dermatomyositis, and can easily be misdiagnosed. In addition, MRH can also involve mucous membranes (e.g., oral mucosa, gingival mucosa, and laryngeal mucosa).

MRH-associated arthritis

Arthritis is one of the predominant clinical symptoms of MRH and can appear as the first symptom of MRH, and can occur simultaneously with skin lesions. MRH-associated arthritis can be characterized as diffuse, symmetric, progressive, and destructive. MRH is most commonly involved in the hand joints, especially the distal interphalangeal joint, followed by the knee joint, the shoulder, elbow, hip, ankle, and metatarsophalangeal joint. The affected joints exhibit swelling, pain, an increase in skin temperature, joint effusion, and some patients can also experience morning stiffness. Joint erosion is characterized by the gradual progression from the joint edges to the entire joint surface, eventually leading to an enlargement of the joint cavity, loss of articular cartilage, and resorption of subchondral bone. Unlike other forms of inflammatory arthritis, MRH is mainly free of bone loss and abnormal new bone formation[1,6]. However, joint destruction progresses rapidly and can eventually lead to joint deformities, hypofunction, or loss. Without prompt and effective treatment, this destruction of the proximal interphalangeal and distal interphalangeal joints may result in “opera-glass hand”[1]. It has also been reported that some patients with severe hip destruction require hip arthroplasty[7]. Therefore, X-ray examination can play an important role in the early detection of MRH and in the screening of MRH from other types of arthritis.

Other clinical manifestations

MRH can involve additional organs. Patients with muscle involvement present with myalgia or decreased muscle strength. Electromyography may exhibit myogenic lesions in some patients[3]. Patients with lung involvement exhibited dyspnea, pulmonary nodules, pleural effusion, or pulmonary interstitial fibrosis[8]. Patients with heart involvement have been reported as having pericardial effusion and myocarditis[9]. Patients with laryngeal involvement exhibit hoarseness, foreign body sensation in the larynx, or laryngeal abnormalities[4]. In addition, patients with thyroid involvement showed hypothyroidism[10]. Thrombosis has also been reported in patients with MRH[11,12]. A small number of patients have extensive systemic involvement of the larynx, lungs, spleen, and plasma membranes at the same time. In addition to organ involvement, MRH may also present with systemic symptoms, including fatigue, fever, and weight loss.

Laboratory results

The laboratory tests for patients with MRH are nonspecific. Some patients may have increased leukocytes, decreased hemoglobin, accelerated sedimentation, and elevated lipids. Positivity for rheumatoid factor, anti-cyclic citrullinated antibodies, and antinuclear antibodies is rare, except for the combination with a systemic autoimmune disease[13].

Histopathology

The diagnosis of MRH is primarily based on a biopsy of the skin or synovial tissue. The histopathological manifestations include a large number of histiocytes and multinucleated giant cells with an eosinophilic cytoplasm and hairy glass-like changes. Immunohistochemistry indicated that the macrophage marker CD68 is positive, which may be considered an essential criterion for MRH characterization. The Langerhans cell tissue markers S-100, CD1a and B cell markers CD19 and CD20 are negative. It has been reported that vimentin, CD45, CD43, Mac387, and lysozyme are positive in varying degrees in some patients[14,15].

MRH-associated diseases

Patients with MRH may also have a variety of systemic autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, dermatomyositis, hypothyroidism, diabetes, and tuberculosis[10,11,16,17]. It is important to note that MRH can be associated with malignancies and the combination rate can be as high as 25%, covering almost all solid tumors and hematologic malignant diseases[3,18]. It has been reported that some patients have also experienced remission of the skin and joint symptoms following tumor treatment; thus, MRH is considered to be a paraneoplastic syndrome[19]. While this view remains controversial, clinicians should be on alert for the presence of malignancies in patients with MRH.

Differential diagnosis

MRH is prone to be misdiagnosed as a systemic autoimmune disease due to similar skin and joint symptoms. MRH is also misdiagnosed as it often coexists with systemic autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, dermatomyositis, Sjogren's syndrome, fibroblastic rheumatism, and systemic lupus erythematosus. The diseases most commonly confused with MRH include rheumatoid arthritis and dermatomyositis. Here, we will summarize the key points that distinguish MRH from these two diseases based on relevant literature and clinical experience. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, joint destruction in MRH is rapid, and the distal interphalangeal joints can be involved during the early stages. MRH is mostly free of bone loss and abnormal new bone formation[1] and synovial biopsy can effectively distinguish MRH from rheumatoid arthritis (Table 1). Unlike dermatomyositis, the main skin lesions in MRH are papular nodules and macules, whereas Gottron papules, heliotrope rash, Gottron signs, erythema along the light site, heterochromia, nail fold changes, scalp involvement, and skin calcification are observed in dermatomyositis. The histopathological manifestations of MRH consist of a large number of histiocytes and multinucleated giant cells with an eosinophilic cytoplasm and hairy glass-like changes. In contrast, the histopathological manifestations of dermatomyositis are dominated by the sporadic or focal infiltration of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and histiocytes. Moreover, the musculoskeletal symptoms of MRH are featured as arthritis, whereas proximal muscle weakness is observed in dermatomyositis[20,21] (Table 2).

Table 1 Comparison of multicentric reticulohistiocytosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

	MRH	RA
Joint involvement	Hand joint, knee joint, the shoulder, elbow, hip, ankle, and metatarsophalangeal joint	Double hand joint, wrist joint, foot joint, etc.
	The distal interphalangeal joints involvement is frequent	The distal interphalangeal joints involvement is rare
Rate of joint destruction	Rapid	Slow
Radiologic characteristics	Enlargement of joint cavity	Periarticular osteopenia
	Loss of articular cartilage and resorption of subchondral bone; no bone loss and abnormal new bone formation	Narrowing of the joint space, and bone erosion

MRH: Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis; RA: Rheumatoid arthritis; DIP: Distal interphalangeal; PIP: Proximal interphalangeal joint; MCP: Metacarpophalangeal joints.

Table 2 Comparison of multicentric reticulohistiocytosis and dermatomyositis.

	DM	MRH
Amyasthenia	More than 90% showed a symmetrical proximal muscle weakness	Rare
Increased myoenzyme	Almost all patients with DM (except CADM) have at least one myoenzyme level at some point in the disease course	Rare
Skin manifestations	Gottron papules and heliotrope rash are the definitive features of DM; Gottron signs, erythema along the light site, heterochromia, nail fold changes, scalp involvement, and skin calcification are also typical manifestations of DM	The manifestations of skin lesions include popular nodules and macules. Skin lesions are primarily distributed on the face, scalp, behind the ears, neck, anterior chest, back, waist, and abdomen, arms, hands, and thigh
Skin biopsy	The sporadic or focal infiltration of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and histiocytes	A large number of histiocytes and multinucleated giant cells with an eosinophilic cytoplasm and hairy glass-like changes

MRH: Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis; DM: Dermatomyositis; CADM: Clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis.

Treatment and prognosis

There is currently no consensus regarding the treatment of MRH, which mainly consists of empirical and individualized therapy. The initial treatment of MRH patients primarily consists of glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressants regimens. Commonly used immunosuppressants include methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, hydroxychloroquine, and leflunomide. These combination regimens provide varying degrees of relief for the skin lesions and early joint symptoms; however, it is difficult to control joint erosion effectively. It has been reported that bisphosphonates can decrease monocyte/ macrophage-osteoclast differentiation, promote osteoclastic apoptosis, and inhibit osteoclastic resorptive activity. Moreover, bisphosphonates are potent inhibitors of osteoclast activity and can effectively prevent joint erosion[22,23]. Bisphosphonates have also been reported to be effective for both skin and joint symptoms. The mechanism by which bisphosphonates improve skin symptom remains unclear.

As the study progressed, it was found that pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-12) were overexpressed in the MRH skin lesions and levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 were also elevated. However, their expression levels in the serum were significantly increased after symptom relief by treatment[24]. Based on these theories, biological agents have been used for the treatment of MRH. The most commonly used biological agents are TNF-α antagonists (e.g., etanercept, adalimumab, and infliximab), IL-6 receptor antagonists (tocilizumab), and IL-1 receptor antagonists (anakinra)[25,26]. The effects of biological agents on the relief of skin and joint symptoms varied greatly among individuals. In addition, it is difficult to assess the superiority of one biological agent over another due to the low number of case reports. It has been reported that biological agents may be taken into consideration when first-line treatments are unable to achieve any effective disease control within 4–6 wk[27]. However, additional prospective investigations are required to standardize their application, including dosage, frequency, duration, and side effects.

CONCLUSION

MRH is a rare non-Langerhans histiocytosis of unknown etiology with the characteristic clinical features of papulonodular skin lesions and progressive, destructive arthritis. MRH can also co-exist or be confused with a variety of systemic autoimmune diseases. Moreover, MRH may also be associated with various types of malignancies. Laboratory tests are not specific and the diagnosis is primarily based on skin or synovial tissue biopsies. Histopathological analyses revealed a large number of histiocytes and multinucleated giant cells with an eosinophilic cytoplasm and hairy glass-like changes. The immunohistochemical analysis indicates that the samples were positive for the macrophage marker, CD68, but negative for the Langerhans cell tissue markers, S-100, CD1a, as well as B cell markers CD19 and CD20. Most initial treatment for MRH consists of a combined regimen of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants. Recently, while biological agents have been gradually used to treat MRH, an evaluation of the long-term efficacy and safety requires further evaluation. This case is representative of MRH and we also summarized the characteristics of MRH (Table 3) compared to common differential diagnoses (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis and dermatomyositis). We hope that our work will help clinicians better identify and treat this disease in the absence of epidemiological studies or randomized controlled data. The incidence of MRH is higher in Europe than in Asia according to existing reports; however, no significant differences have been found regarding clinical features, and prognosis between the two regions. Therefore, we will continue to pay attention to this disease in the future.

Table 3 The clinical characteristics of multicentric reticulohistiocytosis.

Clinical manifestation
Skin lesions	The skin is the most frequently involved site of MRH. Skin lesions may be the first symptom and are primarily distributed on the face, scalp, behind the ears, neck, anterior chest, back, waist, and abdomen, arms, hands, and thigh. The manifestations of skin lesions include papular nodules, and macules. MRH can also involve mucous membranes (e.g., oral mucosa, gingival mucosa, and laryngeal mucosa)
MRH-associated arthritis	Arthritis can appear as the first symptom of MRH and also can occur simultaneously with skin lesions. MRH-associated arthritis can be characterized as diffuse, symmetric, progressive, and destructive. MRH is most commonly involved in the hand joints, especially the distal interphalangeal joint, followed by the knee joint, the shoulder, elbow, hip, ankle, and metatarsophalangeal joint. The affected joints exhibit swelling, pain, increase in skin temperature, joint effusion, and some patients can also experience morning stiffness
Other clinical manifestations	Muscle involvement: Myalgia or decreased muscle strength; Electromyography (EMG) may exhibit myogenic lesions in some patients; Lung involvement: Dyspnea, pulmonary nodules, pleural effusion, or pulmonary interstitial fibrosis; Heart involvement: Pericardial effusion and myocarditis; Laryngeal involvement: Hoarseness, foreign body sensation in the larynx, or laryngeal abnormalities; Thyroid involvement: Hypothyroidism; Thrombosis has also been reported in patients with MRH. A small number of patients have extensive systemic involvement of the larynx, lungs, spleen, and plasma membranes at the same time. Systemic symptoms: Fatigue, fever, and weight loss
Laboratory tests
Non-specific. Some patients may have increased leukocytes, decreased hemoglobin, accelerated sedimentation, and elevated lipids
Histopathology
Histopathological manifestations: a large number of histiocytes and multinucleated giant cells with an eosinophilic cytoplasm and hairy glass-like changes
Immunohistochemistry: macrophage marker CD68 is positive; the Langerhans cell tissue markers S-100, CD1a and B cell markers CD19 and CD20 are negative; CD45, CD43, Mac387, and lysozyme are positive to varying degrees
MRH-associated diseases
Systemic autoimmune diseases: systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, dermatomyositis, hypothyroidism, diabetes, and tuberculosis
Malignancy: Covering almost all solid tumors and hematologic malignant diseases
Differential diagnosis
MRH is most easily confused with rheumatoid arthritis, dermatomyositis, and psoriatic arthritis
Treatment
Initial treatment: Glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressants regimens. Commonly used immunosuppressants include methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, hydroxychloroquine, and leflunomide
Biological agents: TNF-α antagonists (e.g., etanercept, adalimumab, and infliximab), IL-6 receptor antagonists (tocilizumab), and IL-1 receptor antagonists (anakinra)
Prognosis
The prognosis of MRH patients varies greatly among individuals; It is related to treatment choice, response to drug therapy, and comorbidities

MRH: Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis; TNF-α: Tumor necrosis factor-α; IL: Interleukin.