C1 C2 spinal cord compression in hereditary multiple exostoses: case report and review of the literature

Solitary thoracic spine osteochondroma: a rare cause for spinal cord compression

INTRODUCTION

Osteochondromas, also known as osteocartilaginous exostosis, are among the most common benign cartilaginous bone tumors, primarily occurring as solitary lesions. While typically found in long bones, spinal involvement is rare, accounting for only a small percentage of benign lesions in this location. Solitary osteochondromas responsible for spinal cord compression are seldom.

CASE PRESENTATION

We describe the case of a 34-year-old male with no significant medical history, presenting with progressive symptoms suggestive of spinal cord compression. Imaging studies revealed a bony lesion originating from the left lateral aspect of the posterior arch of the T8 vertebra, causing spinal cord compression and myelopathy. Surgical intervention was necessary to decompress the spinal cord and obtain histological samples, resulting in immediate postoperative improvement in motor function. Pathologic exam concluded to an osteochondroma.

DISCUSSION

Osteochondromas primarily affect growing bones and are more commonly observed as solitary lesions, particularly in male patients. Spinal involvement is rare, and neurological symptoms are typically indicative of intracanalar extension of the exostosis, leading to compression of neural elements. Imaging modalities such as MRI are crucial for assessing cartilage thickness and the impact of compression on the spinal cord.

Clinical survey of a pedigree with hereditary multiple exostoses and identification of EXT‑2 gene deletion mutation

The aim of the present study was to report a clinical survey of hereditary multiple exostoses (HME) in a large Chinese pedigree, and the identification of a novel deletion mutation of exostosin glycosyltransferase 2 (EXT‑2) gene. A patient with multiple exostoses with huge cartilage‑capped tumors in scapula, knees and ankles received surgery in Department of Orthopedics (Shanghai Changhai Hospital). A total of 20 family members were recruited to the study, with seven members (five male; two female) diagnosed as HME. The family members of the patients with HME were examined, clinical data and peripheral blood samples were collected, and their DNA was sequenced. The incidence of HME in this family pedigree was 35%. Exostoses were most frequently in the tibiae with occurrence in six patients, followed by ribs, femurs, radii, fibulae, scapulae and humeri. DNA sequencing of peripheral blood revealed a novel deletion mutation, c.824‑826delGCA, in exon 5 of the EXT‑2 gene, which was observed in all the patients with HME, but not in the healthy family members. Several characteristics of HME in the pedigree were observed, such as susceptibility of male gender, decreased average age of onset and height and increased severity of clinical symptoms with generations.