Intradural extramedullary xanthoma of the spine: a rare lesion arising from the dura mater of the spine: case report

Musculoskeletal imaging features of non-Langerhans cell histiocytoses

The non-Langerhans cell histiocytoses (N-LCH) represent a group of rare diseases with different clinical presentations and imaging features to classical LCH. While there is a long list of entities, only few present with musculoskeletal soft tissue and osseous manifestations alongside the more commonly reported systemic findings. Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is typically seen in adults as bilateral and symmetrical long bone osteosclerosis. Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is more commonly seen in children and young adults with bone involvement usually being a manifestation of extra-nodal disease. Primary osseous RDD is very rare, with both displaying rather non-specific imaging features of an expansile lucent lesion with or without an extra-osseous component. Juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) is a benign disorder typically seen in very young children. The most common imaging manifestation is a dermal or sub-dermal soft tissue mass. This article reviews the musculoskeletal imaging appearances of the commoner N-LCH.

Intradural Juvenile Xanthogranuloma with Involvement of Multiple Nerve Roots: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) is a rare, non-Langerhans cell histiocytic disorder that primarily presents as multiple cutaneous lesions in young males. Solitary lesions in the spinal column are an especially rare presentation of this disease, and central nervous system involvement can portend a poor prognosis. We report an unusual case of an adult woman with an unresectable JXG of the lumbar spine. A review of the reported cases of thoracolumbar JXG and the current data regarding diagnosis and treatment are presented.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 28-year-old woman presented with back pain and worsening lower extremity pain, numbness, and weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an enhancing lumbar mass. However, at surgery, no discrete mass was identified. Multiple roots were grossly enlarged, and electrical stimulation identified the L4 root with the most abnormal findings. Despite an attempt at debulking, most of the mass could not be safely removed. The patient experienced incomplete improvement of the symptoms postoperatively but elected to forgo chemotherapy. The 3-month follow-up imaging study showed active lumbar spinal disease, and imaging and follow-up examinations at 27 months revealed no changes. Her symptoms were satisfactorily controlled with conservative therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

JXG of the spine is a rare disease with nonspecific clinical and radiographic findings that can make it difficult to diagnose and dictates the use of immunohistochemical staining. If possible, total surgical resection will offer the best outcomes; however, other modalities such as chemotherapy can be viable alternatives or adjuvant modalities.

Solitary juvenile xanthogranuloma in the spine pretreated with neoadjuvant denosumab therapy followed by surgical resection in a 5-year-old child: case report and literature review

PURPOSE

We present a case report that describes neoadjuvant denosumab therapy initiated in a child with a solitary giant cell-rich juvenile xanthogranuloma tumor involving the spine, and review the current literature.

METHODS

A giant cell-rich histiocytic lesion involving the 11th thoracic vertebral body was identified in a healthy 5-year-old girl with persistent back and pelvic pain for several months. Imaging examinations and an open biopsy were performed to obtain a definite pathologic diagnosis. As the tumor appeared to be aggressive in nature, we administered adjuvant therapy with denosumab preoperatively and then performed a total spondylectomy.

RESULTS

Histopathology confirmed that the tumor was juvenile xanthogranuloma. No tumor metastases or recurrence were detected at the 3-year follow-up, and the patient was asymptomatic.

CONCLUSIONS

In giant cell-rich tumors, denosumab is occasionally used as neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy, especially for tumors in difficult locations or with substantial soft tissue extensions. Rare adverse events in children include skin infections and disruption of calcium homeostasis. Surgical treatment is aimed at removing the tumor and relieving the symptomatic spinal cord compression. Use of denosumab as neoadjuvant therapy for juvenile xanthogranuloma involving the spine has not been reported previously.

Solitary Intraspinal Juvenile Xanthogranuloma in an Infant

Juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) is a benign, non-Langerhans cell histiocytic proliferative disorder. We report a case of solitary JXG in an infant presenting as an intraspinal mass. Awareness of this mode of presentation is very important as subsequent prognosis differs from other tumors at the same location. JXG is a self-limiting dermatologic disorder usually occurring in first two decades of life. On rare occasion, it has been reported at extra-cutaneous sites such as central nervous system (CNS), eyes, liver, spleen, lungs and kidneys, and in other age groups. Isolated CNS involvement is extremely rare, especially in the spinal cord.

Paediatric Primary Pachymeningeal Xanthogranuloma with Scattered Foci Displaying Reticulohistiocytoma-like Features

We report a unique case of a 4-year-old girl with an intriguing fibrohistiocytic tumour. Magnetic resonance imaging scans showed a dural mass of variegated intensity compressing the left occipital pole and apparently extending toward the superior sagittal sinus. Grossly, the cut surface of the surgical specimen was yellow, pale, and soft with reddish kernel-like crusts. Histologically, the yellow areas resembled cholesterol granulomas with widespread coagulative necrosis, cholesterol clefts, powdery calcification, foreign body-type giant cells, and foamy macrophages, while the scattered red spots contained numerous multinucleated giant cells of foreign-body and Touton types, the former with amphophilic to slightly eosinophilic cytoplasm. Immunoperoxidase reactions confirmed the expression of histiocytic markers and vimentin. As far as we know, no tumour displaying these peculiar morphological features has yet been described.

Spontaneous regression of infantile dural-based non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis after surgery: case report

The authors report the case of a large left occipital mass lesion in an 8-month-old boy who presented with seizure. Neuroimaging demonstrated an approximately 5-cm extraaxial tumor, and the patient underwent partial resection. The tumor was strongly attached to the tentorium and falx. In the postoperative course the residual lesion regressed spontaneously, and after 5 years only a slight residual tumor remained along the tentorium. Histopathological examination of the tumor revealed non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis (non-LCH). However, the tumor was not diagnosed as juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) because it lacked Touton giant cells. Hence, the authors described this lesion as a fibroxanthogranuloma. Most intracraniospinal non-LCHs have been reported as JXG; however, several cases of xanthomatous tumors with histopathological features resembling those of JXG have been described as fibrous xanthoma, xanthoma, fibroxanthoma, and xanthogranuloma. Among JXG and the xanthomatous tumors, a review of the literature revealed several cases of dural-based tumors; these dural-based tumors have had favorable courses, including the case described in this report. In addition, the patient in the present case experienced spontaneous regression of the residual tumor. The authors report this unique case and review the literature on isolated intracraniospinal non-LCHs, especially in cases of dural-based lesion.

Solitary juvenile xanthogranuloma of the cervical spine in a child: A case report and review of literature

The authors present a case of 15 years male child who presented with neck pain and progressive ascending quadriparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging showed lytic mass involving C5 and C6 vertebra with soft tissue extension. Surgical excision of mass done using anterior cervical approach. Postoperatively, patient showed improvement in spasticity and power. Histopathological examination of mass was suggestive of juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG). At 6 months follow–up, patient was improving without any evidence of recurrence. Only 12 cases of JXG of spine have been reported till date including only four cases involving the cervical spine and among these four cases only two were of pediatric age group.

Juvenile Xanthogranuloma of adult spine: A rare case and review of literature

Juvenile Xanthogranuloma (JXG) is a rare disorder of central nervous system. It rarely produces compressive myelopathy. On reviewing world literature, we could find only nine cases of this disease involving spine and of which only four cases were in adults’ i.e., 18 years and above. We are presenting a case of Spinal JXG in an 18-year-old male with thoracic compressive myelopathy presenting as short duration progressive paraparesis. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Spine showed mass lesion in epidural space compressing cord from behind without any bony involvement at D7 to D10 vertebral segment. It was isointense on T1 and hyperintense on T2 with no contrast enhancement. D7 to D10 Laminectomy with complete excision of firm epidural mass was carried out. The histopathology with tumor markers confirmed the diagnosis of JXG. Post-operative neurological recovery in this patient was good. His power improved to grade 5/5 with decreased spasticity. Follow-up MRI at 3 months showed no residual tumor. This case appears to be the first in the series with entirely extradural component in adult thoracic spine.

Xanthoma of the occipital bone and with preserved inner and outer bone cortex: case report

Objective We present a unique case of a midline xanthoma of the occipital bone exhibiting atypical imaging characteristics with preserved bone cortex that has not previously been described.

Participant This man presented with refractory headaches and suboccipital pain and a mass within the diploe of the occipital bone but with preserved inner and outer cortex of the bone. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a midline, enhancing, and marrow-replacing process in the occipital bone measuring 1.5 cm in anteroposterior (AP) diameter, resulting in mild indentation of the dorsal aspect of the cerebellar vermis.

Results The patient underwent a suboccipital craniectomy. Tumor resection was from the foramen magnum to the inion and laterally until normal bone was encountered. The xanthoma was yellowish and bled a moderate amount upon resection.

Conclusion An isolated cranial xanthoma with preserved inner and outer bone cortex involving the occipital bone and of midline location has yet to be described. The differential diagnosis of osteoexpansile skull lesion with preserved bone cortex should now include xanthoma. Given the broad spectrum of imaging characteristics exhibited by this unusual diagnosis, surgical intervention is indicated from a diagnostic as well as a therapeutic standpoint.

"Hitting all the right markers to save a life" Solitary fibrous tumors of the central nervous system: Case series and review of the literature

Background:

Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) of the central nervous system are uncommon. Their biological features remain largely unknown; hence, the clinical management and prognosis is often challenging due to the lack of comprehensive data. For this reason, we present two cases of large SFTs to illustrate a comprehensive review.

Methods:

This was a retrospective analysis of two patients: a 65-year-old male with a left parietooccipital lesion and a 70-year-old female with a right parietal convexity mass.

Results:

Gross total resection was performed in the male patient with no recurrence 30 months after resection. The second patient received stereotactic radiosurgery for what was initially thought to be a parafalcine meningioma; however, continued growth 1 year later prompted an open resection, with pathology indicative of an SFT. The tumor recurred the following year requiring repeat resection. Unfortunately, due to the aggressive nature of the lesion, the patient eventually succumbed to tumor burden a year later.

Conclusion:

Based on the literature review, the sometimes observed aggressive growth pattern, and also, the potential for malignant transformation, we recommend complete resection of SFTs with close sequential follow-up.

Solitary xanthogranuloma of the upper cervical spine in a male adult

We present the rare case of solitary xanthogranuloma in the upper cervical column mimicking a Brown-Sequard syndrome. A 29-year-old man complained with right hemiparesis and left hypoesthesia after a car accident. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance images revealed a lobulated homogenously well-enhancing mass in between posterior arch of the atlas (C1) and spinous process of the axis (C2) resulting in a marked spinal canal narrowing with cortical erosions. The patient was managed by complete resection of the tumor with partial laminectomy with lower half of C1 posterior arch and upper half of C2 spinous process. The authors advise complete removal of the xanthogranuloma and consideration as a differential diagnosis of lesions among upper cervical lesions.

Rare presentation of juvenile xanthogranuloma in the thoracic spine of an adult patient: case report and literature review

Isolated spinal involvement of juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) is extremely rare. There are only seven prior published cases of spinal JXG, of which only one has been reported in an adult. We report here the eighth case of spinal JXG and the second in an adult. The patient, a 22-year-old female, presented with progressive upper backache. Radiological examination revealed a well-defined osteolytic hypointense mass in the T7 vertebral body, with a large soft tissue paraspinal extension causing cord compression. Complete resection of the mass was performed, with resolution of symptoms. Histology showed a histiocytic tumour with numerous Touton, foreign body and osteoclastic giant cells, immunopositive for CD68 and vimentin and negative for S100 and CD1a, corresponding to a diagnosis of JXG. Literature regarding spinal JXG is reviewed and discussed.

Dumbbell-type juvenile xanthogranuloma in the cervical spine of an adult

Adult cases with isolated juvenile xanthogranuloma of the central nervous system are very rare. We report a case with dumbbell-type juvenile xanthogranuloma in the cervical spine. A 38-year-old man presented with moderate numbness of the right ring finger and right little finger and weakness of the right grip. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an intra-spinal mass extending into the paravertebral area. The spinal cord was compressed by the lesion, which was isointense with the spinal cord on both T1- and T2-weighted imaging. Homogenous enhancement was observed after gadolinium administration. These findings favored a preoperative diagnosis of a rare tumor, rather than tumor of the nervous system. Complete surgical removal of the tumor was performed through hemilaminectomy combined with facetectomy between C7 and T1. Histological examination and immunohistochemical testing led to a diagnosis of juvenile xanthogranuloma. Two years after complete resection, MRI showed no recurrence. This appears to represent the first report of dumbbell-type juvenile xanthogranuloma in the cervical spine. Total removal of such lesions is recommended because of the high potential risk of tumor recurrence around the central nervous system.

Non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis with isolated CNS involvement: an unusual variant of Erdheim-Chester disease

Benign histiocytic proliferations are identified by their component cells and classified as either Langerhans cell histiocytosis or non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis. We report a 58-year-old Caucasian woman who presented with diabetes insipidus and was found to harbor a large suprasellar mass. Histopathological analysis was consistent with non-LCH. The differential diagnoses included juvenile xanthogranuloma, adult-onset xanthogranuloma, xanthoma disseminatum, Rosai-Dorfman disease, and Erdheim-Chester disease. Immunohistochemical examination demonstrated a proliferation of large lipid-laden histiocytic cells which were positive for CD68, negative for S100 protein, and showed only faint, background staining for CD1a. We present a case of an autopsy-confirmed non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis limited to the central nervous system and evaluated with both immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies. Based on the multifocality, anatomic distribution, and immunostaining features, a diagnosis of Erdheim-Chester disease was made. This is only the second reported case of Erdheim-Chester disease with intracranial involvement but absence of extracerebral manifestations. Given the overlapping clinicopathologic, radiographic, and immunohistochemical profiles, differentiating between these rare histiocytic disorders can often present a significant diagnostic challenge. A systematic approach using all available clinical, laboratory, radiographic, histologic, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural data is essential for proper discrimination between the numerous histiocytoses.

Cervical intra-/extramedullary solitary fibrous tumour

A 53-year-old man presented with a 9-month history of symptoms of right-sided weakness, tingling and hypersentivity to clothes on both sides of the body. MRI revealed a large intraspinal intradural tumour at the level of C3-C4 in the cervical cord. The final histology was a solitary fibrous tumour (SFT) of the cervical spinal cord. The radiological diagnosis, surgical management and histology are reviewed.

Intracranial fibroxanthoma in an infant: a case report

A primary fibroxanthoma of the central nervous system is very rare. We present a case of an infantile fibroxanthoma that arose from the cranial dura mater in a six-month-old girl with US, MRI and PET/CT features that mimicked a meningioma. The tumor appeared as a large, well-circumscribed echogenic mass in the right parieto-occipital area on US. The tumor was seen as isoattenuated to slightly hypoattenuated on pre-contrast CT scan and as hypometabolic on PET/CT. As seen on T2-weighted image, the mass was heterogeneously hyperintense to the gray matter. The mass was isointense on T1-weighted image and homogeneously strongly enhanced on contrast enhanced T1-weighted image.

Solitary juvenile xanthogranuloma in the upper cervical spine: case report and review of the literatures

Solitary juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) in the spinal column is extremely rare and there has been no report of such a lesion involving C1 and C2 in English literature so far. Here, we report and characterize the first case of xanthogranuloma of the upper cervical spine. This case report draws attention to the fact that solitary xanthogranuloma should be considered among possible diagnoses of spinal tumor in children and young adults. An 18-year-old female patient presented to the hospital with intermittent pain in the right side of the neck. MRI studies revealed a huge soft tissue mass to the right side of the C1 and C2 vertebras, and osseous destruction can be found in the cervical spine CT scan. Complete surgical removal of the tumor and occipital-cervical instrumentation with autogenous bone graft were performed with no complications. The patient was free of pain immediately after the surgery with intact neurological functions. Follow-up MRI 6 and 12 months after the surgery showed no residue or recurrence of the tumor. Our report and the literature review indicate that isolated JXG does not show any predilections of localization inside the central nervous system. So a solitary xanthogranuloma should be considered among possible diagnoses of spinal tumor in susceptible patients. Localized JXG shows isointense signals in MRI and enhances homogeneously with gadolinium. Immunohistochemical studies can ensure the diagnosis. Whenever possible, total surgical removal alone seems to be curative.

Meningeal tumors of childhood and infancy. An update and literature review

Meningeal derived tumors of the first 2 decades of life are often diagnostically challenging due to the wide morphologic spectrum encountered and the rarity of most individual entities. The 2 most common patterns include the dural/leptomeningeal-based mass and neoplastic meningitis. Both primary and secondary meningeal presentations may occur, either early or late in the course of various meningothelial, mesenchymal, embryonal, glial, hematopoietic, histiocytic, melanocytic, and inflammatory tumors. As in other areas of pediatric pathology, there are significant differences between this patient cohort and adults, differences which will be emphasized in this review.

Atypical presentations of solitary fibrous tumors of the central nervous system: an analysis of unusual clinicopathological and outcome patterns in three new cases with a review of the literature

Central nervous system (CNS) solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) are rare mesenchymal neoplasms recognized less than a decade ago. Approximately 60 cases of SFT have been reported in the central nervous system. We describe three atypical SFTs of the CNS, two intracranial and one within the spine. One intracranial SFT arose from the sella turcica and expanded into the suprasellar areas. It relapsed twice during the 3 years following partial resection, and the MiB 1 labeling index steadily increased without obvious malignant transformation. The second SFT arose from the confluence of the sinuses, widely invaded the lateral sinus and adjacent bones, had a low MiB 1 index and has not recurred after 5 years. The intraspinal tumor occurred at T5-T7 in a patient with multiple café-au-lait spots, was predominantly myxoid and developed a second similar lesion at S3-S5 14 years later. The MiB 1 index was lower in the second tumor. Immunohistochemistry confirmed that all were SFTs. These atypical presentations gave us an opportunity to provide further information about the natural histological course of CNS SFTs.

Giant cranial extradural primary fibroxanthoma: a case report

Primary fibroxanthoma of the cranium is an extremely rare condition. Xanthomatous tumors of the central nervous system are occasionally associated with diseases such as Hand-Schuler-Christian disease, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, hyperlipidemia, and a complication of metabolic or storage disorders. However, until 2003, only a few cases of primary fibroxanthoma have been reported. We report a giant fibroxanthoma destroying the lateral skull base unaccompanied by a systemic or metabolic disease.

Xanthosis in the Spinal Epidural Space-An Epiduroscopy Finding

We report the presence of yellow pigment (xanthosis) in the eqidural space of a patient with a chronic painful radiculopathy. A 55-year-old Caucasian male patient with a left L5, S1 radiculopathy underwent epiduroscopy and epidural neurolysis. Epiduroscopy findings in the area of the nerve root associated with the radiculopathy included the presence of diffuse perivascular yellow pigments, increased vascularity and diffuse increased presence of sheets of fibrous tissue. This is a novo epiduroscopy finding. The case demonstrates the potential for epiduroscopy to expand our knowledge about pathological changes associated with some chronic painful conditions.

Dural lesions mimicking meningiomas

Recently, a number of neoplastic and nonneoplastic entities have been reported that radiographically and clinically mimic meningiomas. Because these lesions occur infrequently and may resemble a meningioma during intraoperative analysis, they may not be considered in the differential diagnosis. This review (and case illustrations) considers some of the newly recognized and notable lesions that can mimic meningiomas, including solitary fibrous tumors, gliosarcomas, leiomyosarcomas, hemangiopericytomas, melanocytomas, Hodgkin's disease, plasmacytomas, inflammatory pseudotumors, neurosarcoidosis, plasma cell granulomas, Rosai-Dorfman disease, Castleman's disease, xanthomas, rheumatoid nodules, and tuberculomas. Awareness that these lesions involve the dura may facilitate intraoperative recognition and, in some cases, preclude unnecessary additional surgery.

Isolated cervical juvenile xanthogranuloma in childhood

STUDY DESIGN

This is a report of an exceptional case of isolated cervical juvenile xanthogranuloma in a child.

OBJECTIVES

This case report draws attention to the fact that isolated xanthogranuloma of the central nervous system should be considered among possible diagnosis of subdural extramedullary spinal masses in children and young adults.

SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND DATA

Isolated juvenile xanthogranuloma of the central nervous system is extremely rare. When located in the spinal canal it behaves like any extramedullary mass-occupying lesion. MRI depicts the tumor's association with adjacent structures. In cases in which a subtotal surgical removal was possible, radiotherapy has been indicated.

METHODS

A three-year-old girl presented severe pain in the right shoulder and spastic tetraparesis. The MRI showed an intradural extramedullary mass homogeneously enhancing after DTPA-gadolinium infusion. Complete surgical removal of the tumor was performed through open-door laminoplasty.

RESULTS

The child was pain free immediately after the surgical removal of the tumor. A gradual complete recovery of the neurologic deficits followed. Open-door laminoplasty provided sufficient operative space, and it minimized the impact on the growing spinal column.

CONCLUSIONS

Isolated juvenile xanthogranuloma does not show any predilections of localization inside the central nervous system. Both intracranial and spinal juvenile xanthogranulomas appear isointense in MRI and enhance homogeneously with gadolinium. Whenever possible, total surgical removal alone seems to be curative. Otherwise, a subtotal removal of the tumor might be followed by radiotherapy. Immunohistochemical tests ensure the diagnosis.

Juvenile xanthogranuloma of peripheral nerve: a report of two cases

As a rule, juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) is a cutaneous lesion most often occurring in infancy. An inflammatory process of unknown etiology, it is self-limited and benign in nature. The spectrum of JXG has expanded to include adult examples, multifocal lesions, and ones arising at extracutaneous locations. Although a variety of extracutaneous sites may be affected, few reported lesions have involved cranial or peripheral nerves. Solitary examples have been reported in trigeminal nerve and spinal nerve root; affected individuals were children or adolescents. An optic nerve lesion has also been described. We describe two additional cases of JXG of nerve. One patient developed multiple dorsal nerve root lesions, as well as skin involvement. The other case featured isolated involvement of the left radial nerve. Both patients were adults with no known underlying systemic disorder. These cases further expand the spectrum of extracutaneous JXG, and underscore its consideration in the differential of nerve "tumors."

Multiple intracranial juvenile xanthogranulomas. Case report

The authors report on an 11-year-old boy in whom proptosis of the eye caused by a benign intraosseous xanthofibroma of the left orbital wall became clinically apparent at the age of 4 years. Two years later he developed bilateral papilledema, at which time computerized tomography and magnetic resonance studies revealed multiple enhancing intracranial lesions. The largest mass was located in the left middle fossa; other lesions were located at the tentorium cerebelli, in both lateral ventricles, near the superior sagittal sinus, and extracranially near the left jugular vein. The mass in the left middle fossa was resected and diagnosed as juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG). Thirty months later, the patient again became symptomatic, exhibiting behavioral abnormalities and a decrease in mental powers. At that time, the two remaining lesions in both lateral ventricles had grown enough to cause trapping of the temporal horns and raised intracranial pressure. These lesions were successively resected and histopathologically confirmed to be JXGs. However, resection of the second intraventricular lesion was complicated by postoperative bilateral amaurosis, presumably caused by postdecompression optic neuropathy. According to a review of the literature, fewer than 20 patients with JXG involving the central nervous system have been reported. The patient described in this report is the first in whom multiple intracranial JXGs developed in the absence of cutaneous manifestations. Although JXGs are biologically benign lesions, the treatment of patients with multifocal and/or progressive intracranial manifestations is problematic.