A CASE REPORT OF EOSINOPHILIC GRANULOMA ARISING FROM THE RIB

Abstract

It is said that eosinophilic granuloma, which is classified as one of types of histiocytosis X, arising from the rib rarely occurs and represents 4.1% of all rib tumors. Histopathological features reveal infiltration of eosinophil and proliferation of histiocyte with coffee-bean like nuclei. Recently we experienced a case of eosinophilic granuloma arising from the rib. A 35-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital because of frequent episodes of left chest pain. Chest X-ray films revealed an osteolytic change and a pathological fracture in the left 5th rib. On further examinations, she was given a diagnosis of malignant rib tumor. After resection of the involved ribs, the subsequent defect of chest wall was reconstructedby using Marlex mesh. Resected material was microscopically eosinophilic granuloma arising from the rib. Actually no confirmed lesion of eosinophilic granuloma except rib was found. There have been no signs of recurrence as of 5 years and 9 months after the operation. It is believed that monofocal eosinophilic granuloma arising from the rib like this case has relatively good prognosis compared to multifocal granulomas or juvenile cases.