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Intravertebral vacuum phenomenon in multiple myeloma
F Gagnerie1, B Taillan, L Euller-Ziegler
1Department of Rheumatology, Hôpital de l'Archet, Nice, France.
Clinical Rheumatology
|December 1, 1987
Summary
This case study highlights intravertebral vacuum phenomenon in multiple myeloma. Osteonecrosis, not myeloma, caused the vacuum cleft and neurological symptoms, emphasizing careful diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Oncology
- Neurology
Background:
- Multiple myeloma can cause vertebral collapse.
- Intravertebral vacuum phenomenon is a rare finding.
Observation:
- A patient with multiple myeloma experienced L4 vertebral body collapse and lysis.
- Post-treatment, a vacuum cleft and posterior displacement of L4 developed, causing cruralgia.
Findings:
- Histology revealed bone necrosis, not plasmacytosis, in the L4 vertebral body.
- The vacuum cleft was attributed to osteonecrosis secondary to treatment.
Implications:
- Neurological complications can arise from vertebral necrosis in multiple myeloma patients.
- Osteonecrosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of vacuum clefts, even with multiple myeloma.