vertebra plana, MedPix™ : 4906 - Medical Image Database and Atlas

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vertebra plana
Topic 4906 - Created: 2003-06-27 05:46:43-04 - Modified: 2003-07-08 13:57:58-04

ACR Index: 3.3

Marked flattening of a vertebral body is termed vertebra plana.
Langerhans cell histiocytosis is the most common cause of vertebra plana. Other disease processes should be considered in the differential diagnosis if the clinical situation warrants. Other causes of vertebra plana include:

multiple myeloma

metastatic disease

Ewing sarcoma

lymphoma

leukemia

Gaucher disease

aneurysmal bone cyst

trauma

infection

Because most lesions spontaneously regress, vertebra plana is often treated conservatively. In young patients, vertebral height typically is partially restored with growth of the skeleton. Temporary bracing may help to relieve symptoms.

Radiation may be indicated for treatment of mild neurologic signs. Surgical decompression and fusion with instrumentation is indicated for rapidly progressive neurologic signs or cord compression that is not responsive to radiation.