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Lymphangiomatosis of the spine: two cases requiring surgical intervention
Robert G Watkins1, Richard A K Reynolds, J Gordon McComb
1Department of Orthopedics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles 90033, USA. roberto_watkins@yahoo.com
Study Design:
Two cases of lymphangiomatosis of the spine are presented.
Objectives:
To report two cases of lymphangiomatosis of the spine requiring surgical intervention and to review the literature.
Summary Of Background Information:
Lymphangiomatosis is a rare childhood disease characterized by abnormal lymph tissue at multiple sites. Skeletal and visceral involvement are both common. Prognosis depends on the extent of extraskeletal disease.
Methods:
Two cases of lymphangiomatosis causing neural compression and instability at the cervicothoracic junction are presented. Both patients underwent surgical decompression and stabilization.
Results:
One patient died, whereas the other regained full function and activity.
Conclusions:
Surgery is indicated when lymphangiomatosis causes neural compression and instability of the spine. Surgical outcome is strongly influenced by extraskeletal involvement.