Atlantoaxial instability secondary to eosinophilic granuloma of the axis in adults: long-term follow-up in six cases

Background contextEosinophilic granuloma (EG) involving the spine is uncommon in adults. Atlantoaxial instability (AAI) secondary to EG of the axis in adults is an extremely rare clinical condition that can give rise to severe neurologic morbidity or mortality if not treated appropriately. There have been no previous reports on the condition in adults.PurposeTo present the outcome and clinical experience for the management of AAI secondary to EG of the axis in adults.Study designA retrospective review study.Patient sampleAll adult patients with AAI secondary to EG of the axis who were admitted to the spine service at the study institution between January 1999 and April 2012.Outcome measuresClinical symptoms, neurologic status, radiologic manifestations, treatment, outcome, and/or complications were recorded and analyzed.MethodsSix consecutive adults who presented clinical and radiographic manifestations of AAI secondary to EG of axis were treated and monitored. All patients were treated surgically with anterior tumor resection and posterior reconstruction of spinal stability. Oral steroid therapy was administered after surgery as adjuvant therapy.ResultsThe mean duration of follow-up was 77 months (range, 37-140 months). The most common radiographic feature was osteolytic destruction of the vertebral body of the axis. All patients had favorable recoveries, with osseous fusion. There were no surgery-related postoperative complications, and neither recurrence nor spinal deformity had occurred by the final follow-up examination.ConclusionsSurgical intervention via anterior tumor resection and posterior reconstruction was found to be safe and effective for treating AAI secondary to EG in adults, in terms of recovering neurologic function, improving symptom relief, and reducing the risks resulting from osteolytic destruction. Surgical treatment plus oral steroid therapy can produce beneficial results and definitive local control during the follow-up period.