Anterior, extracanalar, cervical spine osteochondroma associated with DISH: description of a very rare tumor causing bilateral vocal cord paralysis, laryngeal compression and dysphagia. Case report and review of the literature.
EUROPEAN REVIEW FOR MEDICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES 2014;
18:34-40. [PMID:
24825039]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Osteochondromas are common benign bone tumors, rarely involving the spine.
BACKGROUND
Osteochondroma account for about 35% of bone benign tumors and 9% of all bone tumors. Spinal involvement is described in 1%-4% of cases and their origin from the anterior surface of cervical vertebral bodies is exceedingly rare.
AIM
We describe the rare case of an osteochondroma arising from the anterior surface of the C4 and C5 vertebral bodies, and not involving the spinal canal, in a 68-year-old male patient suffering from Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The patient presented with acute onset of respiratory distress due to laryngeal compression exerted by the lesion, dysphagia and paralysis of left vocal cord. Imaging revealed the unusual lesion compressing and dislocating the air ways. An anterior approach to cervical spine was performed to remove the tumor.
RESULTS
Postoperatively, the patient sustained a progressive improvement of respiratory function and recovery of the vocal cord paralysis.
DISCUSSION
We believe that this case holds some interesting peculiarities: firstly, the anterior location of a cervical osteochondroma could be considered exceptional; yet, the resulting clinical picture should be remembered for differential diagnosis. Secondly, we hypothesized a possible correlation between the tumorigenesis of osteochondroma and the co-existence of DISH. Indeed, the abnormal bone turnover in cervical segments due to DISH could explain the unusual occurrence of osteochondromas in adult age.
CONCLUSIONS
The occurrence of an osteochondroma should be considered in patients suffering from DISH and harbouring large osteophytes.
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