Histiocytosis X of the cauda equina

Abstract

Laminectomy, performed on a 46-year-old woman because of weakness and paresthesias of the lower limbs, showed multiple discrete yellow nodules on the nerve roots of the cauda equina. One of these lesions was excised and proved to be a granuloma consistent with the diagnosis of histiocytosis X.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis presenting as a lumbosacral intradural-extramedullary mass

“…Therefore, lesions can develop only in areas where mesenchymal tissues are normally present, such as the meninges [2]. Early loci of LCH are either meningeal or perivascular [2]; the infiltration of the leptomeninges may either be diffuse or create discrete subdural masses [1,2]. Clinical findings vary according to the level and extension of the infiltration, and various kinds of spinal cord and peripheral nerve syndromes may be present [1].…”

“…Early loci of LCH are either meningeal or perivascular [2]; the infiltration of the leptomeninges may either be diffuse or create discrete subdural masses [1,2]. Clinical findings vary according to the level and extension of the infiltration, and various kinds of spinal cord and peripheral nerve syndromes may be present [1]. Particularly in cases of involvement of the cauda equina, a picture of combined motor and sensory damage is expected [2].…”

“…Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a reactive disorder of unknown aetiology which presents a wide clinical spectrum, ranging from a multisystem disease to a single-system disease confined to the skeleton [1,2]. The key histopathological feature of LCH is a proliferation of reticuloendothelial elements showing the phenotypic markers of epidermal Langerhans cells.…”

Primary Intramedullary Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis of the Thoracic Spinal Cord

“…3,4,17) Spinal cord involvement is rare, and usually occurs by direct extension from the surrounding bone tissue, but may also arise as metastatic spread from other tissues. 1,5,8,9,11,15,17,20,22,24,27) Isolated extramedullary or intramedullary lesion of the spinal cord is extremely rare. 10,24) We report an extremely rare case of primary intramedullary spinal LCH of the thoracic spine.…”