[Eosinophilic granuloma of the bone in adults (author's transl)]

Eosinophilic granuloma of the bone shows a characteristic age distribution with an incidence of 75% in children. According to our observations, however, its occurrence in adults is not as rare as one should expect from the number of cases reported in the literature. The clinical and radiologic diagnosis can be established in many cases if the possibility of an eosinophilic granuloma is considered and certain criteria are taken in consideration. Solitary osteolytic changes should be biopsied early in order to avoid unnecessary and expensive examinations. The X-ray signs which can lead to the diagnosis are discussed and illustrated, and 7 cases of eosinophilic granuloma in adults are presented.