Histiocytosis X. VIII. Histiocytosis X simulating tuberculosis.

The findings in 9 patients with histiocytosis X localized to the spine and 7 patients with tuberculous spondylitis were compared. It was not always possible to differentiate between these two conditions without a supplementary fine needle aspiration biopsy. This is therefore recommended in patients with possible histiocytosis X or spondylitis and a divergent clinical course.