Multiple lytic lesions of the spine: a rare diagnosis of eosinophilic granuloma in an adult: a case report

Acta Neurochir (Wien). 2010 Apr;152(4):703-6. doi: 10.1007/s00701-009-0434-y. Epub 2009 Jun 24.

Abstract

Eosinophilic granuloma (EG) is a rare benign osteolytic lesion observed rarely in adults, with only some 18 cases of spinal location reported in the literature. We present an unusual variant of EG in a 23-year-old man with radiological features of multiple spinal lytic lesions which was evocated of metastatic processes. A surgically transpedicular biopsy of the thoracic collapsed vertebrae with posterior stabilization was made. Histological examination of the tissue showed features of eosinophilic granuloma. The clinical and radiological findings of EG present dilemmas of both diagnosis and treatment. The etiology is unclear and the therapeutic approach is still controversial.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Decompression, Surgical
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Eosinophilic Granuloma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Eosinophilic Granuloma / surgery
  • Humans
  • Laminectomy
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / pathology
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / surgery
  • Male
  • Osteolysis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Osteolysis / pathology
  • Osteolysis / surgery
  • Radiography
  • Spinal Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Spinal Diseases / pathology
  • Spinal Diseases / surgery
  • Spinal Fusion
  • Thoracic Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging*
  • Thoracic Vertebrae / pathology
  • Thoracic Vertebrae / surgery
  • Young Adult