Langerhans′ cell histiocytosis involving posterior elements of the dorsal spine: An unusual cause of extradural spinal mass in an adult

Abstract

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a clonal proliferation of Langerhans cells occurring as an isolated lesion or as part of a systemic proliferation. It is commoner in children younger than 10 years of age with sparing of the posterior elements in more than 95% of cases. We describe a case of LCH in an adult female presenting with paraplegia. MRI revealed a well-defined extradural contrast enhancing mass at D2-D4 vertebral level involving the posterior elements of spine. D2-5 laminectomy with excision of lesion was performed which lead to marked improvement of patients neurological status. Histopathology was suggestive of eosinophilic granuloma. We describe the case, discuss its uniqueness and review the literature on this rare tumor presentation.

PET/CT Imaging for Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis Involving Only Posterior Elements of the Cervical Vertebra

“…High FDG uptake has been observed in LCH occurring in various sites 4–6 . LCH involving the vertebral posterior elements often manifested as multifocal or involved the anterior simultaneously 7–13 . Our case presented that the LCH was located atypically in the posterior column with a completely intact anterior vertebral body.…”

“…[4][5][6] LCH involving the vertebral posterior elements often manifested as multifocal or involved the anterior simultaneously. [7][8][9][10][11][12][13] Our case presented that the LCH was located atypically in the posterior column with a completely intact anterior vertebral body. Tumor or tumor-like lesions involving only the posterior elements of vertebra have osteoid osteoma and osteoblastoma in children.…”