Study Design. Report of a patient with a rare location of a solid chro
nic lymphocytic leukemic mass of an intervertebral lumbar disc. Object
ives. To illustrate the previously undescribed discovertebral involvem
ent of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and to discuss the diagnostic diff
iculties. Summary of Background Data. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia pri
marily involves lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and bone marrow. Bone lesi
ons are rare in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and usually consist of ar
eas of osteopenia. Spinal involvement in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
is rare, and only two cases of spinal cord compression attributable to
an extradural solid mass composed of leukemic cells have been reporte
d. Intervertebral disc involvement in chronic lymphocytic leukemia has
not been reported previously. Methods. The clinical findings, radiogr
aphs, histology, treatment, and follow-up results are presented. Resul
ts. Radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging studies showed partial
collapse of vertebrae L2 and L3, with destruction and protrusion of th
e intervertebral disc L2-L3 with dura compression. Treatment consisted
of radiotherapy followed by en bloc resection of vertebrae L2 and L3
stabilized with stackable cages and anterior fixation with Kaneda bars
. Intervertebral disc infiltration with leukemic cells of B-cell origi
n was confirmed through histologic examination and immunohistochemical
studies of a biopsy and resection specimen. Twenty months after treat
ment the patient was still in remission and fully mobilized. Conclusio
ns. Intervertebral disc involvement in cases of chronic lymphocytic le
ukemia is rare. Its presence should be considered in patients with bac
k pain and neurologic symptoms who had been treated for this form of l
eukemia in the past. Differentiation with infectious spondylodiscitis
can be difficult. Histology is necessary to confirm diagnosis.