Eosinophilic Granuloma in the Pediatric Spine

Publisher： Karger

E-ISSN： 1423-0305|43|4|285-292

ISSN： 1016-2291

Source： Pediatric Neurosurgery, Vol.43, Iss.4, 2007-07, pp. : 285-292

Disclaimer: Any content in publications that violate the sovereignty, the constitution or regulations of the PRC is not accepted or approved by CNPIEC.

Previous Menu Next

Abstract

Background/Aims: Eosinophilic granuloma (EG) involving the vertebrae in the pediatric population presents a difficult management scenario. Issues of surgical versus nonsurgical intervention, spinal stability and continued skeletal growth must all be considered. Methods: A retrospective review of medical records and radiographs from 1964 to the present yielded 12 patients with age less than 18 at the time of diagnosis of primary spinal EG. Results: Eleven of these 12 patients presented with pain; 2 patients had neurological deficits. Nine patients were managed nonsurgically, including those undergoing tissue diagnosis by needle (2) or extraspinal (3) biopsy; 3 patients underwent gross total resections. Radiographic diagnosis alone was made in 4. With an average follow-up of 8.1 years, survival is 100%. Conclusions: EG in the spine infrequently produces neurological deficits in the pediatric age group, although it may result in spinal instability. As such, nonsurgical management is the preferred strategy to effect symptomatic relief.