Radicular compression in multifocal eosinophilic granuloma. Successful treatment with radiotherapy

A 7-year-old boy with previously diagnosed multifocal eosinophilic granuloma displayed signs and symptoms of a cervical radiculopathy. After myelograpic demonstration of extradural compression, corticosteroid and radiation therapy produced rapid and complete resolution of his symptoms. We suggest that more discrete classification of the "xanthomatoses" of the neurologic literature may provide the basis for choosing nonsurgical intervention in selected cases.