[Eosinophilic granuloma of the spine]

The contribution to the clinical picture of eosinophilic granuloma of the spine. This tumor-like, osteolytic bone lesion presents both diagnostic and therapeutic problems. Solitary eosinophilic granuloma of the spine is not common. Compared to the multiple manifestation of eosinophilic granuloma, which seldom spares the spine, vertebral involvement is rare in cases of solitary eosinophilic granuloma (about 10 p.c.). Spinal involvement of this disease is mainly characterized by an undramatic, uneventful clinical course, even in cases of extensive osteolytic bone defects, varying laboratory findings as well as partial or complete collapse of a vertebra, mostly in form of a true vertebrae plana. Open biopsy is recommended instead of needle aspiration biopsy in solitary eosinophilic granuloma of the spine in order to exclude Ewing's sarcoma, neuroblastoma, or bony manifestations of leukemia. In cases of solitary eosinophilic granuloma various therapeutic methods have been tried. Some authors have registered good results by means of prolonged immobilization, similar to fracture treatment. Others have used radiation therapy in moderate doses. We suggest operative treatment of solitary eosinophilic granuloma. Our procedure comprises open biopsy, frozen section examination, and curettage of the affected vertebral body, taking care not to destroy the epiphyseal plate or the intervertebral disc. Vertebral body replacement is achieved by means of a bone graft, taken from the iliac crest. The original height of the vertebra is thus restored and immediate stability of the involved area guaranteed. Undisturbed bone growth of the end plated of the vertebral body can be observed. This technique is to prevent disturbances of spinal growth and permanent deformities.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)