BACKGROUND

The Langerhans cell histiocytosis has lots of different manifestations. Symptoms are not specific enough to identify the disease. In cases of vertebral Langerhans cell histiocytosis it is sometimes difficult to differentiate the lesions from spinal osteomyelitis.

PATIENTS

Six children with Langerhans cell histiocytosis who had an operative treatment at our clinic in 1981 to 1995 have been reviewed. All patients had a localised vertebral presentation at the onset of the disease.

METHODS

In this study we have been showed the clinical, radiological, histological and laboratory findings of our patients with Langerhans cell histiocytosis for an average of six years. Especially the use of diagnostic tools has been examined.

RESULTS

Diagnostic tools such as radiogram, computerised tomography, bone scan and MRI and their value in finding the correct diagnosis have been described. Especially the use of MRI in early diagnosing has been discussed. Early changes in MRI have been presented as well as the useful radiological signs and MRI signs to differentiate Langerhans cell histiocytosis and spinal osteomyelitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Vertebral Langerhans cell histiocytosis in childhood is a possible differential diagnosis to spinal osteomyelitis.