Myelopathy secondary to isolated thoracic spine involvement mimicking metastasis in Erdheim–Chester disease: A case report and review of literature

Abstract

Erdheim–Chester disease (ECD) is a rare non-Langerhans histiocytosis. Appendicular skeleton involvement is more common whereas axial skeletal manifestation is very rare. Isolated thoracic spine involvement with myelopathy in ECD is reported extremely rarely. This case report aims to highlight the isolated axial skeletal involvement in the form of thoracic myelopathy, its diagnostic challenge, various treatment options and prognosis of the disease. We have managed our patient, presented with thoracic myelopathy, by posterior instrumented decompression followed by radiotherapy. This case report will contribute to increased awareness on isolated axial skeletal involvement in ECD.

Keywords

• axial skeletal involvement
• erdheim–chester disease
• non-langerhans histiocytosis
• thoracic myelopathy