Limp as unusual presentation of Langerhans' cell histiocytosis

An isolated eosinophilic granuloma involving the posterior elements of a lu mbar vertebra is reported in a 3-year-old boy presenting with progressive l imp. Radiological investigations revealed osteolysis of the L5 right pedicl e, MRI showed a well-defined homogeneous mass with nonspecific signal inten sity. An unusual feature was the paravertebral muscular location of the lar gest part of the tumour indicating a possible soft tissue origin. Immunohis tochemical studies were typical for Langerhans' cell histiocytosis. Conclusion A limp can be due to lumbar and paravertebral muscular location of Langerhans' cell histiocytosis.