Surgical treatment of Langerhans cell histiocytosis of cervical spine: case report and review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare condition, and even rare is cervical spine involvement. CASE REPORT: A 9-year-old girl had neck pain, neck tilt and left upper limb weakness, occasional fever and positive family history of tuberculosis. Imaging showed C5 vertebral body collapse with epidural and prevertebral soft tissue collection causing cord and nerve root compression. The patient underwent C5 corpectomy and fusion. Histopathological was suggestive of LCH. She underwent radiotherapy and was asymptomatic at 1-year follow-up.
CONCLUSION: Despite the rarity of the condition, the possibility of LCH should be considered in such cases. When neurologic deficits are present, operative treatment should be considered.