Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis in an Adult with Oral Cavity Involvement: Posing a Diagnostic Challenge

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare hematological disorder characterized by local or generalized, uncontrolled proliferation and infiltration of Langerhans type of histiocytic cells. It represents a spectrum of clinicopathologic disorders, ranging from a highly aggressive and frequently fatal multisystem disease to an easily cured solitary lesion of bone. Involvement of children and the younger age group is more common than the adults. Oral cavity involvement occurs early in LCH, but the initial symptoms are generally nonspecific, often causing misdiagnosis. This report describes a rare case of chronic localized LCH in an adult patient, with involvement of oral cavity. A 34-year-old male patient presented with multiple nodulo-papular, ulcerated lesions in gingiva involving both the jaws (primarily mandible) and the left buccal mucosa, in addition to regional teeth mobility. The most striking feature was that even after extraction of mobile teeth, the lesions persisted. After recording proper history, performing clinical and radiological evaluation, an incisional biopsy was performed followed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry to reach a confirmatory diagnosis of LCH, thereby implementing early and appropriate initiation of treatment.

[Visceral parasitic migration of liver: a clinicopathologic analysis of seven cases]

Objective: To investigate the clinical, radiological and pathological features of visceral parasitic migration of the liver. Methods: Seven cases of visceral parasitic migration of liver were identified at the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Medical School of Nanjing University from January 2008 to July 2017. Clinical data, enhanced CT image and pathological features were analyzed, combining with literature review. Results: There were 5 male and 2 female patients. Five patients presented with abdominal pain or discomfort as the first symptom. Two patients were admitted to the hospital for physical examination with liver nodule. Blood eosinophils were mildly to moderately increased in 4 cases. Enhanced CT showed the liver irregular beaded nodules that showed no significant enhancement of arterial phase. Mild enhancement of round lesions (ring lesion) was seen in a few cases before surgery. By histopathology, the lesions showed central geographic necrosis, surrounded by epithelioid granuloma and inflammatory cell bands. A large number of eosinophils and scattered multinucleated giant cells were found, especially at the peripheral of the lesion. Charcot-Leyden crystals were present in all case and parasitic migrans was found in one case. Conclusions: Visceral parasitic migration of liver is a rare liver disease and is easily misdiagnosed as other benign or malignant liver tumors. Combining clinical data, enhanced CT images and pathological examination can improve the preoperative and postoperative diagnosis of the disease.

Eosinophilic granuloma of the spine involving C1 and pulmonary infiltration in young children - Presentation of two cases with a follow-up over 10 years including review of the literature

Objectives

The incidence of spinal eosinophilic granuloma in children is low.

Methods

Clinical case presentation of two children (♀ 18 months old, ♂ 16 months old) complaining of acute torticollis. Follow-up period was 11 years in the female patient and 13 years in the male patient.

Results

The diagnostics certified a spinal eosinophilic granuloma: the girl had a multilevel spinal disease including the atlas, the boy a thoracic and pulmonary manifestation. Both were treated with chemotherapy with good clinical results.

Conclusions

Overall, the above described is a very rare clinical entity. However, persisting torticollis in children should be clearly diagnosed.

Oral manifestation of Langerhans cell histiocytosis: a case report

Background

Bone necrosis of the jaw is a serious condition with a broad differential diagnosis of pathologies such as cutaneous histiocytosis, bone metastases or malignant tumours. In addition to the most common cause, medication related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), one must consider a number of other causes, such as histiocytosis.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a histiocytic disorder with a large spectrum of clinical manifestations and with possible involvement of a variety of organs. This case shows the importance of an early detection of this rare disease in order to prevent further spreading. Even if an initial diagnosis in the oral cavity is rare, dentists should be aware of this disease.

Case presentation

The presented case describes a patient who was referred for evaluation and treatment due to exposed bone and extensive osteolysis in the region of the upper and lower jaw. After biopsy and diagnosis of LCH, the patient was treated with systemic therapy, achieved remission and is disease free after a 2 year of follow up.

Conclusions

This case report illustrates that when dealing with unclear osteolytic changes of the jawbone, Langerhans cell histiocytosis must be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis and biopsy must be performed in case of suspicion.

A case report of orbital Langerhans cell histiocytosis presenting as a orbital cellulitis

CLINICAL CASE

A 10-year-old girl was seen with a 3-week history of right upper lid swelling and with no other symptoms or fever. There was no recent history of sinusitis, trauma, or previous infection involving the periorbital area, or response to oral antibiotic treatment. Orbital computed tomography showed a lesion involving the upper margin of the orbit, and bone destruction at the orbital roof. Biopsy performed revealed the presence of Langerhans cell Histiocytosis. The lesion was surgically debulked and corticosteroids were used intra-operatively. The lesion responded to treatment.

DISCUSSION

The orbital involvement of Langerhans cell histiocytosis, despite its low incidence, should be considered in the examination of acute peri-orbital swelling. It usually presents as an osteolytic lesion, and it is confirmed with a histological examination and immunohistochemical techniques for CD1a and S100. An interdisciplinary approach is recommended to rule out multifocal or multisystemic diseases, as well as to develop an appropriate treatment strategy.

Endoscopic transnasal surgery of clival lesions: our experience

BACKGROUND

The clivus is a region characterized by complex anatomy, with vascular and neural structures that are located in close proximity. Different pathologies can affect this area, and traditional surgical approaches were open approaches. Recently, the endoscopic transnasal technique has been introduced, and currently represents a good alternative for the surgical management of these lesions. This is a preliminary report on patients treated endoscopically for clival lesions by the authors' Skull Base Team.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent an endoscopic exclusive transnasal approach (EEA) or a transoral one (TO) for clival lesions between June 2015 and November 2017 at our Skull Base Referral Center. Patient characteristics and symptoms, preoperative neuroradiological evaluation, surgical approach, complications, and postoperative results were evaluated.

RESULTS

Nine patients (6 females and 3 males; age range 6-82 years, mean 50.8 years) underwent EEA or TO. From histological analysis, we found chordomas (6/9 subjects), chondrosarcoma (1/9), craniopharyngioma (1/9), and eosinophilic granuloma (1/9). Three patients had previously been operated for a parasellar chondrosarcoma (1/9), a pituitary macroadenoma (1/9), or a chondroid chordoma (1/9). The lesions were totally (2/9) or sub-totally (5/9) resected, debulked (1/9), or analyzed with a biopsy (1/9). Reconstruction was accomplished with a multilayer technique (7/9), or with a gasket-seal (1/9), using a mucoperichondrial graft, a single/double nasoseptal flap, a middle turbinate flap, a fascia lata, or a synthetic fascia. One patient (11.1%) was re-operated on due to cerebrospinal leakage, without further complications. Two patients (22.2%) were re-operated on due to chordoma regrowth. Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered to 1/9 patient with progressive healing. All of the other patients underwent proton-beam radiotherapy with no documented tumor growth (median follow-up: 20 months; range 5.1-29.9 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Clival lesions represent a heterogeneous group of lesions located in a very complex and difficult area. EEA and TO approaches are safe and mini-invasive, with lower morbidity and with postoperative complications when compared to the traditional open approaches, according to the extent and type of pathology.

Eosinophilic Granuloma in Jaw Bone: A Pare Pediatric Case Report

Background

Eosinophilic granuloma (EG), one of the three clinical forms of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), is a benign inflammatory reaction to an unknown etiologic agent. It most commonly occurs in children and young adults. The most frequently involved bones are the skull, the ribs and the femurs. Alongside the cranium, the maxilla and mandible can also be affected.

Case Details

Herein, we report a case of eosinophilic granuloma in a ten years old boy involving posterior quadrants upper and lower jaws as a destructive lesion involving gingiva, periodontium and alveolar bone. Involvement of other bones is ruled out by nucleotide imaging study.

Conclusion

EG should be considered as a differential diagnosis whenever there is a bony destructive lesion involving alveolar bone of the Jaws. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention will resolve the lesion.

A Case of Multifocal Eosinophilic Granuloma Involving Spine and Pelvis in a Young Adult: A Radiopathological Correlation

We present a case of multiple osteolytic lesions in a 28-year-old adult who presented with headache, back pain, and hip pain of 6 months. There was no history of localized swelling or rise of temperature, no history of weight loss or evening rise of temperature. On examination, there were no focal neurological deficits. Routine laboratory investigations, including total leukocyte counts, differential leukocyte counts, hemoglobin, and platelet counts, were within normal limits. There was a borderline elevation of erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Non enhanced computer tomography (NECT) demonstrated no abnormality in the brain or skull bones. However, incidentally, a lytic lesion involving the third cervical (C3) vertebral body and the neural arch was detected which also demonstrated a soft tissue component adjacent to the lytic lesion. These findings warranted further work up; and magnetic resonance imaging of whole spine and pelvis was performed that revealed multiple bony lesions involving the cervical vertebrae, head and neck, bilateral femur, sacrum, and iliac bones. Computed tomography-guided biopsy was performed from the C3 vertebral lytic lesion which showed features of eosinophilic granuloma on histopathological evaluation.

Histiocytic lesions of the orbit: A study of 9 cases

PURPOSE

To describe the clinical presentation, treatment, and outcome of patients with histiocytic lesions of the orbit.

METHODS

Retrospective study of 9 patients treated and followed up between October 2001 and January 2018.

RESULTS

Eight patients in our series were males and one patient was female. The mean age at presentation was 16.8 years (range, 1 to 42 years). All patients had unilateral disease. The most common presenting complaint was upper eyelid swelling in 8 of 9. All patients underwent preoperative computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Eight of 9 patients demonstrated orbital bone erosion with adjacent soft tissue mass. Destruction of the orbital roof and contrast enhancement of dura were detected in 3 cases. All cases underwent orbitotomy and subtotal tumor excision with additional bone curettage (4 cases) and intraorbital steroid (40 mg triamcinolone acetonide) injection (3 cases). Adjuvant systemic chemotherapy consisting of vinblastine and prednisone was administered in 3 cases with dural involvement. External radiotherapy (1000 cGy) was applied in one case because of widespread disease. Histopathologic diagnoses were eosinophilic granuloma (7 cases), necrotic xanthogranuloma (1 case), and Langerhans cell sarcoma (1 case). The mean follow-up period after diagnosis was 19.7 months (range, 1-96 months). There was no systemic or multifocal bone involvement in eosinophilic granuloma cases at initial presentation and follow-up. None of these patients developed diabetes insipidus or neurologic symptoms. The patient with Langerhans cell sarcoma died from systemic disease 1 month after diagnosis of the orbital tumor. The patient with necrotic xanthogranuloma did not develop any malignancy at 9 months follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Eosinophilic granuloma was the most frequently encountered orbital histiocytic lesion in our series. Eosiophilic granuloma usually responded well to subtotal tumor excision, bone curettage, and intraorbital corticosteroid injections. Systemic chemotherapy was used in cases with full thickness bone destruction and adjacent dural enhancement in an effort to prevent the development of central nervous system disease.

Eosinophilic ulcer of the tongue masquerading as malignant ulcer: An unexplored distinct pathology

Eosinophilic ulcer (EU) is a rare self-limiting chronic benign ulcerative lesion of the oral mucosa often misdiagnosed as oral malignancy. Its etiopathogenesis is ambiguous, but trauma plays an important role in the development. Microscopically, it is characterized by a polymorphic inflammatory infiltrate with a prominent eosinophilic component and large mononuclear cells extending deep into the submucosa, underlying muscle and salivary glands. We discuss a case of EU in a 55-year-old male, which presented with a symptomatic nonhealing ulcer on the right lateral border of the tongue and was further clinically misdiagnosed as malignant ulcer.

Atlanto-axial langerhans cell histiocytosis in a child presented as torticollis

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare condition mostly seen in children and adolescents. Eosinophilic granuloma (EG) is one of its three clinical entities and is considered as a benign osteolytic lesion. Many reports of patients with spine histiocytosis are well documented in the literature but it is not the case of atlantoaxial localization. We report here a new observation of atlantoaxial LCH in a 4-year-old boy revealed by persistent torticollis. He was successfully treated with systemic chemotherapy and surgery. Inter-body fusion packed by autologous iliac bone was performed with resolution of his symptoms. It is known that conservative treatment is usually sufficient and surgery should be reserved for major neurologic defects in spine EG. In atlantoaxial lesion, surgical treatment should be frequently considered.

Pediatric Langerhans cell histiocytosis of the lateral skull base

OBJECTIVE

Describe the presentation, imaging characteristics, management, and outcomes of pediatric patients with Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) of the temporal bone.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed between 2000 and 2014 at a single tertiary care children's hospital. Fourteen patients were identified with a diagnosis of LCH and involvement of the temporal bone.

RESULTS

Ten patients were female and ten were Caucasian. Mean age at diagnosis was 3 years (range 0.3-9.6 years). The most common presenting symptoms were scalp lesions, postauricular lesions, otalgia, and persistent ear infections. Three patients had documented hearing loss. Four cases had otic capsule invasion. Computed tomography demonstrated a lytic temporal bone lesion within the following subsites: mastoid, squamous temporal bone, external auditory canal, middle ear, and petrous apex. Four patients had intracranial disease. Extent and location of disease prompted all patients to be initially managed with chemotherapy. Surgical excision was limited to one case of localized recurrence. After a mean follow-up of 85.2 months (SD 42.4 months) there were no deaths but eight patients had a recurrence. Two patients developed long-term otologic sequelae requiring surgery. One patient developed labyrinthitis ossificans.

CONCLUSION

LCH has a varied presentation, age distribution, and treatment algorithm. This series of 14 pediatric patients with temporal bone involvement supports a limited role for surgical resection. Long-term follow-up is critical for detection of local and disseminated disease, and for monitoring of otologic complications.

Eosinophilic granuloma at the cerebellopontine angle in an adult; a rare case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare immunologic disorder, identified by immature proliferation of histiocytes which may present as systemic or focal lesions. Eosinophilic granuloma (EG) is localized from of LCH mainly involving bones such as skull, femur, spine, ribs, mandible and pelvis. Cerebello-pontine (CP) angle is a rare anatomic location for involvement by EG.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 32 year old man was being evaluated in our neuro-oncology clinic due to diplopia since 4 months ago. On physical examination he had left sided abducens paresis, hyposthesia over left half of his face and a decreased corneal reflex on left side. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study revealed a lesion at left CP angle measuring 30×25×25mm in size which was isointense in T1, hypointense on T2 with homogenous enhancement in post-contrast study. A standard retrosigmoid approach was carried out for resection of this lesion. Pathology report of the frozen section depicted infiltration of eosinophils and large mono-nuclear cells. The infiltrative nature of the lesion encouraged us not to attempt further resection. Permanent pathology report was in favor of EG. Patient was referred to an oncology clinic for proceeding with the steroid therapy.

DISCUSSION

To the best of authors' knowledge, this is the first report of EG at CP angle in an adult, in the literature. Infiltration of eosinophils and positivity for CD1a and S-100 renders the diagnosis unmistakable.

CONCLUSION

When the diagnosis is suggestive of EG, incompletely excised lesions can be further managed by steroid therapy.

Kimura's disease affecting the axillary lymph nodes: a case report

Background

Kimura’s disease (KD; eosinophilic granuloma of soft tissue) is an inflammatory granulomatous disorder of unknown cause with eosinophilic infiltration that occurs mainly in soft tissue. KD occurs mainly in the head and neck, but development in the axillary region is very rare.

Case presentation

A 74-year-old Japanese woman was evaluated for a mass that she noted in the left axillary region. On physical examination, there was a palpable, thumb-sized, hard, elastic, freely movable mass in the left axilla. Blood tests showed elevated soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R), normal serum immunoglobulin (Ig) G4, and elevated serum IgE. Ultrasonography of the left axilla showed multiple lymph nodes (LNs) with irregular margins in which central hyperechogenicity was lost. A systemic search by computed tomography (CT) showed no systemic lymphadenopathy or other mass-like lesions suspicious for a primary tumour other than in the left axillary LNs. Biopsy of an excised LN was performed under local anaesthesia for a definitive diagnosis. Histopathology showed various-sized lymphoid follicles, large nodular lesions with an enlarged mantle zone, multiple various-sized germinal centres in single nodules, and eosinophilic infiltration between the nodes. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of the germinal centres was positive for cluster of differentiation (CD) 10, positive for B-cell lymphoma (bcl)-6, and negative for bcl-2. These findings led to a diagnosis of KD. Ultrasound after 3 months of follow-up showed disappearance of the axillary lymphadenopathy.

Conclusions

A very rare case of KD in the axillary LNs was described. KD has the potential to occur in any region.

Management of eosinophilic granuloma in pediatric patients: surgical intervention and surgery combined with postoperative radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Eosinophilic granuloma (EG) of spine in pediatric patients presents kinds of clinical manifestation and a difficult management scenario. The choice of treatment, issues of surgical intervention versus conservative treatment, combination therapy or single treatment, all these factors, including neurological deficits, spinal stability, long-term complications, and continued skeletal growth, must be considered.

METHODS

From 2008 to the 2015, 31 pediatric patients of spinal EG were retrospectively reviewed. They were 17 males and 14 females, with a mean age 8.89 ± 2.84 years old (range, 3.5-14 years old). All the cases were divided into two groups. Twenty-three cases (Group S) accepted surgical interventions and surgery combined with local low-dose radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. Eight patients (Group C) accepted radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. All the patients had imaging studies of the lesion including standard radiography, three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) scan, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) prior to and after treatment. Cases in group S underwent surgery-related treatment, which include six patients accepted surgery only, nine patients accepted postoperative low-dose radiotherapy, four patients accepted additional chemotherapy, and four patients accepted both. Cases in group C accepted radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy, which include five patients accepted radiotherapy, one patient accepted chemotherapy, and two patients accepted both radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Clinical symptoms, neurologic status, radiologic manifestations, treatment, outcome, and/or complications were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

All the 31 patients had pain relief (both in group S and group C) but the patients in group S obtained more prompt pain relief. All the patients in group S obtained local kyphosis correction, reconstruction of stability of spine, and recovery of neurological deficit after treatment. They have no surgery-related complications after treatment and in follow-up. Seventeen patients who received additional postoperative radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy also had good outcomes. There were no severe radiation and chemotherapy complications in procedure. The patients (group C) who accepted non-surgical treatment also have no severe complications, and a new femur lesion was found in one patient in follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Surgical intervention, including anterior and/or posterior approach with bone graft or surgery combined with postoperative low-dose radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy is a safe and effective way for treatment of the spinal EG. Compared with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy, more prompt pain relief can be achieved via surgical intervention or surgery combined radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy.

Spontaneous and complete regeneration of a vertebra plana after surgical curettage of an eosinophilic granuloma

PURPOSE

The eosinophilic granuloma is a unifocal or multifocal Langerhans cell histiocytosis characterized by an expanding proliferation of Langerhans cells in bones. Skeletal LCH is a rare condition, and vertebral regeneration in cases of vertebral body collapse is even rarer. We report the case of a girl with spontaneous complete healing.

METHODS AD RESULTS

A 3-year-old girl was referred for nighttime back pain, with no fever and no neurologic signs. Within a few days, she developed sudden painful restriction of all spine movements. X-ray and computed tomography (CT) of the spine showed reduced T7 vertebral body height (vertebra plana).The patient underwent T7 curettage and the histopathological exam was suggestive of LCH. Two additional skull lesions were found and therefore she underwent chemotherapy. After 7 years of follow-up, total vertebral reconstruction was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the rarity of the condition and despite the rarity of vertebral body lesion resolution, total vertebral body reconstruction was observed over a 7-year period. Long-term follow-up is necessary for a better understanding of the final outcome of patients with EG.

A rare and unusual case report of Langerhans cell histiocytosis

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), previously known as histiocytosis X, is an uncommon hematological disorder affecting infants and young children. It is the condition characterized by uncontrolled stimulation and proliferation of normal antigen presenting cells, Langerhans cells. Because of its relatively low incidence, limited data are available regarding the epidemiology of LCH, with estimation of 2–5 cases per million inhabitants per year. The purpose of this report is to describe the case of LCH in the 3-year-old male child with multiple focal involvements of bones and to discuss clinical, radiological and histopathological features of LCH and role of the dental surgeon in diagnosing and managing such lesions.

The surgical strategy for eosinophilic granuloma of the pediatric cervical spine complicated with neurologic deficit and/or spinal instability

Background

Various therapeutic approaches have been proposed for the treatment of pediatric patients with eosinophilic granuloma (EG) of the cervical spine. Our aim was to discuss and present our experience with the individualized surgical intervention of pediatric cervical EG complicated with neurologic deficits and/or spinal instability.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 19 children who were diagnosed with cervical EG comor spinal/or spinal instability (evaluated by the Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score, SINS ≥ 7) and treated surgically in our institution.

Results

Lesions involved C1–2 in 7 patients and C3–7 in 12 patients. Anterior tumor resection combined with posterior pedicle screw fixation, anterior approach of excision and instrumentation, and posterior tumor resection combined with pedicle screws instrumentation were selected according to the different locations of tumors. Frankel scale and Oucher scale improved significantly after surgery. There was no morphologic alteration of the neck at follow-up.

Conclusions

Surgery can significantly improve the neurologic status and symptoms. Surgical decision-making must be individually tailored to minimize the influence of surgery on spine growth.

Current concepts for the diagnosis and management of eosinophilic granuloma of bone

This review summarizes current concepts in the diagnosis and management of the patients with eosinophilic granuloma. Given the benign biology, the clinical course, and the pediatric group of patients that this condition more commonly affects, a treatment approach that carries a lower risk of complications while ensuring a successful cure is desirable. Variable treatment options have been reported with satisfactory results and a recurrence rate of less than 20 %. In this setting, symptomatic lesions that are accessible in the spine or the extremities may be treated with intralesional methylprednisolone injection after tissue biopsy for histological diagnosis.

Pandora's box: eosinophilic granuloma at the cerebellopontine angle-should we open it?

BACKGROUND

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a disorder of immature LCH cells, eosinophils, macrophages, lymphocytes, and multinucleated giant cells. Eosinophilic granuloma (EG) is a focal form of LCH that presents mostly in the skull, femur, vertebrae, pelvis, mandible, and ribs. Intracranial presentation of EG is very rare in the literature.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 17-year-old boy visited our clinic with headache, dizziness, and tinnitus that were present for 2 months. Brain MRI depicted a lesion at the right cerebellopontine angle. The lesion was hypointense on T1-weighted and hyperintense on T2-weighted brain MR images. The lesion enhanced homogenously after I.V. contrast material administration. Pre-operative diagnoses were vestibular schwannoma and meningioma. Surgery was planned. Retrosigmoid approach was preferred in the surgery. The lesion was excised partially. Pathological analysis depicted cell infiltration composed of eosinophils besides histiocytes, plasma cells, and lymphocytes in different amounts. CD1a was positive yet S100 was negative. Final diagnosis was eosinophilic granuloma. Post-operative course was uneventful. The patient was referred to pediatric oncology unit, and steroid therapy was initiated. Post-operative follow-up brain MRIs showed that the lesion had regressed further than immediate post-operative images by only steroid use. In long-term follow-up, new lesions appeared on the patient's skin in multiple locations and in the sclera of his left eye. At the last follow-up (3 years post-operatively) skin and scleral lesions were noticed to have regressed spontaneously and the intracranial structures were tumor free.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

To the best of our knowledge, EG at the cerebellopontine angle has not been presented in the literature. What makes our case further unique is its negativity for S-100 antigen. Eosinophilic granuloma should be kept in differential diagnosis of mass lesions presented at the cerebellopontine angle, especially in children and young adults with high eosinophils and lymphocytes in their peripheral blood. Sole steroid trials could be conveyed in suspicious cases before any further intervention. If the lesions do not regress or enlarge with time, surgery should be considered. However, long-term follow-up of these patients is necessary since natural history of the disease has not been defined, yet.

Spontaneous extradural hemorrhage due to Langerhans cell histiocytosis of the skull in a child: A rare presentation

Eosinophilic granuloma (EG) represents a local form of Langerhans cell histiocytosis that occurs mostly in children. It usually presents with a gradually enlarging painless skull mass, and rarely presents a rapid clinical deterioration. This 7-year-old boy who was diagnosed with EG, based on a magnetic resonance imaging scan, after presenting with a painless right parietal swelling of 7-week duration. Three weeks prior his scheduled surgery, he presented to the emergency department with a 2-day history of sudden increased of the subcutaneous swelling associated with a headache, vomiting, and decreased the level of consciousness; there was no history of trauma. Brain computed tomography revealed a right parietal bone defect with large subgaleal and extradural hematoma. He underwent emergent surgical excision of the skull lesion and evacuation of the hematoma. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of EG. We aim to raise the awareness of physicians of this rare spontaneous hemorrhagic complication of EG and review the literature.

Short Segment Stabilization by Protecting the Alar Ligaments in a Case of Eosinophilic Granuloma Involving the C2 Spine

BACKGROUND

The craniocervical junction is a complex anatomic location that contains the occipital bone, atlas, axis, and important complex ligamentous structures. The stability of this region is ensured only with the help of ligaments.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 6-year-old boy was admitted to our clinic for neck pain. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a lytic bone lesion involving the C2 vertebral body and pedicle without odontoid tip. The tumor was resected using an anterior retropharyngeal approach and a wide marginal resection method. The odontoid tip and alar ligaments were protected, and the costal autografts were located between the C1-odontoid tip and the C3 body. The costal graft was stabilized in the C3 body with a miniplate. Then, C1-C3 posterior fixation with fusion was performed. The craniocervical junction was not considered unstable because the occipital bone was not involved in the fusion. Histologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of eosinophilic granuloma. Fusion was detected on a 1-year postoperative cervical computed tomography scan.

CONCLUSIONS

The occiput should not be involved in the fusion area when the alar ligaments are preserved during surgery for a C2 lesion.

Clinicopathological pattern of cranial unifocal Langerhans cell histiocytosis: A study at medical college hospital

Background:

Eosinophilic granuloma (EG) of bone refers to a generally benign form of Langerhans cell histiocytosis localized to the bone. Patients may present with a solitary lesion (monostotic) or multiple sites of involvement (polyostotic).

Materials and Methods:

This study was done to evaluate the clinicopathological pattern of 6 cases of EGs of the skull diagnosed at a tertiary care hospital. All patients of EG were included with the help of medical records over a 5-year period that is, November 2009 to November 2014. They all had been preoperatively evaluated by skull X-ray and computed tomography. To rule out a multifocal disease scintigraphy was performed in all cases preoperatively. Surgical excision was performed, and EG was diagnosed on histopathology and immunohistochemistry.

Results:

There was a male predominance. Parietal bone was the most common affected bone. Total excision of the lesion was performed in all cases. No patient received postoperative radiotherapy. The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 3 years. No tumor recurrence was noted.

Conclusion:

With an unknown etiology, nonspecific clinical and radiological findings with diagnosis possible only on histopathological examination, EG needs to be considered in the differential diagnosis as a skull mass, especially in children.

Eosinophilic granuloma of the sacrum treated with radiation therapy: a case report

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Eosinophilic granulomas (EGs) of the sacrum have been reported in fewer than 10 patients. Treatment algorithms for these tumors remain poorly defined; there are no reports of treating solitary sacral EG with radiation therapy (RT).

PURPOSE

This study aimed to describe the presentation, treatment, and outcome of sacral EG in an adult patient with intractable pain and radiculopathy, treated in a novel fashion with RT.

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING

The study design was a case report from a tertiary cancer referral center.

METHODS

Patient records, imaging, and pathology were reviewed.

RESULTS

A 35-year-old man received 20 Gy of radiation to his S1 EG lesion. He subsequently developed vertebra plana of S1 causing symptomatic L5-S1 stenosis, but 15 months after RT treatment was free of pain or tumor recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Radiation therapy is an effective treatment option for sacral EG causing severe axial pain and neural impingement.

Resection of benign vertebral tumors by minimally invasive techniques

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Benign tumors of the vertebrae are generally an uncommon cause for surgery. Complete removal of these tumors requires in most cases extensive surgical technique that consists of generous surgical exposure followed by laminectomy, facetectomy, and sometimes even an instrumented fusion.

PURPOSE

The aim was to describe our experience in performing resection of benign vertebral tumors, using a minimally invasive surgical (MIS) approach.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective review of case records.

PATIENT SAMPLE

Patients who underwent MIS, resection of benign vertebral tumors.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Complete neurologic examination and pain evaluation, as measured by the visual analog scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes included postoperative spinal instability assessment and surgical margins examinations.

METHODS

Patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively at 1, 3, and 6 months intervals clinically and radiographically using plain radiographs and postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans. Final pathologic report, operative time, blood loss, complications, and hospital length of stay were also recorded.

RESULTS

Between 2009 and 2013, 14 patients underwent MIS, resection of benign vertebral tumors at our institution. Mean follow-up time was 4 years. There were eight men and six women with a mean age of 27 years (range 16-68 years). For tumors located in the posterior elements, a direct posterior approach was used. Tumors located at the pedicle of the vertebra were excised using a transpedicular approach, and tumors protruding into the foramen were excised using the transforaminal approach. The transcanal approach was used when decompression of the thecal sac or nerve root was required, and the retroperitoneal transpsoas approach was used for tumors located in the vertebral body. Complete removal of these tumors was achieved in all cases, and was verified by a follow-up CT scan. Pathology revealed osteoid osteoma in five patients, osteoblastoma in three patients. Eosinophilic granuloma, fibrous dysplasia, and fibroid adenoma were found in one case each. Average VAS pain score improved from 7.7 (7-9) to 2.8 (0-7) after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Minimally invasive techniques are a valuable choice for the treatment of benign osseous tumors of the spine. A larger, long-term study is in progress. In the meantime, we suggest surgeons experienced with both open and MIS surgery should consider these techniques.