Cross-segment spinal plasma cell granuloma:a case report

BACKGROUND: Plasma cell granuloma (PCG) is a rare non-neoplastic entity, with the precise etiology remaining unclear. Vertebra-affected spinal PCG has not been reported yet. This report presented a case with cross-segment spinal PCG in thoracolumbar region. CASE PRESENTATION: A 32-year-old male patient presented to the authors’ hospital since his health check-up results showed osteolytic lesions in the thoracolumbar spine. He felt asymptomatic throughout the course. Radiological examination revealed destructive changes at T12 and L1 vertebrae. Whereas laboratory examination excluded malignant tumor. The results of routine incisional biopsy remained inconclusive, thereby necessitating complete excision of the lesions. Finally, the infiltration of plasma cells observed by pathological examination of the surgical specimen confirmed the diagnosis of PCG. CONCLUSIONS: To the authors’ knowledge, this was the first case of cross-segment spinal PCG with osteolytic property. The possibility of PCG should be considered for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of an osteolytic lesion in the spine. Since the etiology of PCG is unknown, the disorder was confirmed based on excluded diagnosis. Surgical resection is recommended both for the definite diagnosis and treatment of spinal PCG.