Spinal osteoid osteoma recurring as an aggressive osteoblastoma

Abstract

We report an uncommon case of osteoid osteoma recurring as an aggressive osteoblastoma of the spine. A 15-years-old male consulted in our department with long-term painful scoliosis. The CT-scans and MRI revealed a sclerotic bone forming tumor of 7mm diameter consistent with a osteoid osteoma. A percutaneous radiofrequency ablation was performed with complete resolution of the symptoms. After 6 months, the symptoms recurred. A new CT and a MRI showed a growth of the nidus on the right L4 lamina, with a size of 15mm. Therefore, a marginal resection by laminectomy of L4 was performed. Pathology confirmed an epithelioid osteoblastoma. A year later, subsequent imaging studies showed a new recurrence with aggressive features and invasion of the spinal canal. The patient then underwent an "in block surgery" needing concurrent stabilization of the spine. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of epithelioid osteblastoma.

Keywords: Columna lumbar; Escoliosis; Lumbar spine; Osteoblastoma; Osteoid osteoma; Osteoma osteoide; Scoliosis.