Published online Jul 16, 2023. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i20.4944
Peer-review started: April 9, 2023
First decision: May 8, 2023
Revised: May 23, 2023
Accepted: June 21, 2023
Article in press: June 21, 2023
Published online: July 16, 2023
Eosinophilic granuloma (EG) is a proliferative condition that affects the cells of bone tissue. There are no specific clinical signs or imaging manifestations in the early stages of the disease, making it simple to overlook and misdiagnose. Because of the disease's rarity, there is presently no standardized treatment principle. There are few accounts of such occurrences affecting the axis among children. We discovered a case of a child whose EG resulted in atlantoaxial joint dislocation and destruction of the axial bone.
After having pharyngeal discomfort for more than six months without a clear explanation, a 6-year-old boy was brought to our hospital. Following a careful evaluation, the pathology indicated a strong likelihood of an axial EG. Ultimately, we decided to treat the boy with posterior pedicle screw fixation and local steroid injections.
EGs of the upper cervical spine are quite uncommon in children, and they are exceedingly easy to overlook or misdiagnose. Posterior pedicle screw fixation and local steroid injections are effective treatments for patients with axial EGs affecting the atlantoaxial junction.
Core Tip: One rare cause of neck pain is axial eosinophilic granuloma. Patients with abrupt neck discomfort should be evaluated with a radiological investigation. This study illustrates that axial eosinophilic granuloma with atlantoaxial joint dislocation can be treated with posterior pedicle screw fixation combined with local steroid injections and that histopathological biopsy is an excellent diagnostic tool for verifying the condition.