Abstract
Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is extremely rare in the lumbar spine of adults. The radiological features typically manifest as vertebral tumors. The exact etiology of LCH remains unknown. Langerhans cells may cause local or systemic effects. The most frequent sites of these bony lesions are the skull, femur, mandible, pelvis and spine. To date, only 3 spinal LCH cases treated by percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) have been reported. The present study reports a case of LCH of the fourth lumbar vertebra (L4) in a 51-year-old male with a 10-day history of low back pain, limited waist motion and right lower limb numbness. The patient was treated using PVP. The use of PVP for treating LCH of the spine was successful. The present study provides an up-to-date literature overview of LCH.
Highlights
Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) in the lumbar spine of adults is uncommon [1,2]
LCH is a rare disease associated with the proliferation of Langerhans cells [1,2]
LCH mostly occurs during childhood, it may affect patients of any age from infants to elderly individuals
Summary
Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) in the lumbar spine of adults is uncommon [1,2]. A variety of treatment modalities have been reported for the management of LCH of the spine, including conservative treatments, systemic chemotherapy, curettage (with or without bone grafting), internal fixation and fusion, percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP), corticosteroid injection into the lesion and radiotherapy [3]. The 51‐year‐old male patient exhibited a 10‐day history of low back pain, limited waist motion and right lower limb numbness. Computed tomography (CT) revealed an osteolytic lesion in the right lateral mass of the L4 and accessories, accompanied by a paravertebral and intraspinal soft tissue extension (Fig. 2A and B). The low back pain was resolved completely and the patient's neurological symptoms were rapidly alleviated and gradually continued to be FENG et al: SPINAL LANGERHANS CELL HISTIOCYTOSIS. CT revealed a significant decrease in the paravertebral and intraspinal soft tissue extension 5 days after the PVP (Fig. 2C). CT revealed that the paravertebral and intraspinal soft tissue extension disappeared after 3 cycles (Fig. 2D). There was no recurrence and no other complaints over a 6‐month follow‐up period (Fig. 1C and D)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
