INTRODUCTION: Benign fibrous histiocytoma (BFH) is a rare skeletal tumor. Spinal localizations have been previously described in 17 cases, and this is the first report of BFH occurring at the lumbar spine in a pediatric patient. CASE REPORT: A 13-year-old male complained lower limb motor and sensory impairment with severe claudication and urination disorders. A huge intraspinal, extradural mass at L4-L5 level, clearly evident on a preoperative MRI, caused dislocation and severe compression of the cauda equina nerve roots. After a biopsy, confirming BFH, a tumor resection and L4-S1 vertebral arthrodesis was carried out. At 1 year follow-up, no recurrence was detached on postoperative MRI, with complete neurological recovery. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Review of the literature is discussed. Histological examination is mandatory for a correct diagnosis and plan of treatment. None of the pediatric patients treated for BFH have ever shown local relapse.
INTRODUCTION: Benign fibrous histiocytoma (BFH) is a rare skeletal tumor. Spinal localizations have been previously described in 17 cases, and this is the first report of BFH occurring at the lumbar spine in a pediatric patient. CASE REPORT: A 13-year-old male complained lower limb motor and sensory impairment with severe claudication and urination disorders. A huge intraspinal, extradural mass at L4-L5 level, clearly evident on a preoperative MRI, caused dislocation and severe compression of the cauda equina nerve roots. After a biopsy, confirming BFH, a tumor resection and L4-S1 vertebral arthrodesis was carried out. At 1 year follow-up, no recurrence was detached on postoperative MRI, with complete neurological recovery. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Review of the literature is discussed. Histological examination is mandatory for a correct diagnosis and plan of treatment. None of the pediatric patients treated for BFH have ever shown local relapse.
Authors: Nicolien H van Giffen; Lodewijk W van Rhijn; Andre van Ooij; Erwin Cornips; Simon G F Robben; Anton Vermeulen; Edgardo Maza Journal: Spine (Phila Pa 1976) Date: 2003-09-15 Impact factor: 3.468