A Specific Osteolytic Destruction of Lumbar Spine in a Young Girl

This report described a young child with osteolytic destruction in two adjacent vertebral bodies along with the intervertebral disc, and reveals its possible mechanism. CT scan with 2-demensional reconstruction showed the osteolytic destruction in the upper third portion of L3 vertebral body and the lower endplate erosion of L2 vertebral body. The lesion has also involved L2/3 disc. A comprehensive preoperative evaluation did not identify a specific cause of vertebral destruction. In order to confirm the diagnosis and completely excise the lesion, we implemented a posterior lumbar interbody fusion. Low back pain disappeared immediately following the operation. Histopathological study showed a great deal of B-lymphocytes and macrophages infiltration. Studies of its pathogenesis reveal that it is likely to be a B-lymphocyte mediated local immune inflammatory reaction in the lumbar spine.