Langerhans cell histiocytosis of the cervical spine in a child: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disorder of clonal proliferation of dendritic cell mostly seen in children. It consists in various clinical manifestations from a single lytic bone lesion to multisystemic lesions with organ dysfunction. Atlantoaxial involvement by LCH is very rare, especially in a young child. We report a rare case of the cervical spine LCH resulting in dragging torticollis as the first symptom lasting for 4 weeks in a 6-year-old boy. Histological features were consistent with the diagnosis. The patient received chemotherapy with steroids and he underwent a laminectomy with arthrodesis. He remained well with no evidence of recurrence during the follow-up period. The rarity of this disease as well as the site of bone involvement draws attention for early diagnosis to prevent neurological lesions and other late complications.

Keywords

• Langerhans cell histiocytosis
• Torticollis
• Cervical spine
• Child