Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis of the Thoracic Spine in an Adult

Abstract

We report a case of a 45-year-old man with a complaint of both leg weakness and hypoesthesia. Radiological evaluation revealed an osteolytic lesion of the ninth thoracic vertebra. The patient underwent posterior corpectomy with total excision of the tumor, mesh cage insertion with posterior screw fixation and subsequent radiotherapy. Histology confirmed the diagnosis of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH). This case report presents the diagnostic work-up, histopathological evaluation, and the treatment procedures of rare LCH in the thoracic spine.

Spinal Langerhans cell histiocytosis with cord compression and neurological deficits: A case report

“…Kim et al [ 11 ] in 2017, have also reported a case of LCH in the thoracic spine of an adult 45-year-old man who presented with motor and sensory deficits of the lower extremities [ 11 ]. His thoracic spine imaging revealed an osteolytic lesion of the eighth and ninth thoracic vertebra causing pathological fracture along with myelopathy from T8 to T10 and cord compression [ 10 ].…”

“…He was surgically treated with posterior corpectomy and total tumour excision. A mesh cage was inserted, and posterior screw fixation was performed [ 11 ]. Following surgery, the patient underwent radiotherapy [ 11 ].…”

“…A mesh cage was inserted, and posterior screw fixation was performed [ 11 ]. Following surgery, the patient underwent radiotherapy [ 11 ]. He remained stationary for six years during the follow-up without recurrence [ 11 ].…”

“…Following surgery, the patient underwent radiotherapy [ 11 ]. He remained stationary for six years during the follow-up without recurrence [ 11 ].…”

“…Surgery is usually preferred in patients with spinal cord compression, like our case presented here, to improve functional recovery and to obtain a biopsy for histopathological study [ 5 ]. Chemotherapy may be the first line treatment of choice for patients with no neurological dysfunction [ 11 ]. It can also be used as an adjuvant therapy following surgical decompression, particularly in patients with systemic involvement (such as our described patient) or in patients with multiple spinal lesions [ 5 ].…”