Lumbar Disc Herniation Associated with Severe Scoliosis in Young Age: Report of Three Cases

Intervertebral disc herniation is rare in adolescence, although several cases have been reported in the literature. We present three cases of lumbar disc herniation with low back pain and severe scoliosis (Cobb angle greater than 20 degrees). The patients had no prior history of trauma or collagen disease. Preoperative MRI scans showed L3-L4 (case 1), L4-L5 (case 3) and L5-S1 (case 2) disc herniations with no other bony or structural changes. Following discectomy, patient pain resolved, and scoliosis improved without further treatment. We conclude that severe scoliosis associated with disc herniation in young patients is likely secondary to pain and is not indicative of further structural changes.

Lymphangioma in the Epidural Space of the Thoracic Spine

A rare case of solitary intraspinal epidural lymphangioma is described with a review of the literature. A 16-year-old boy was admitted to our hospital with a history of two-year of progressive paraparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging study revealed a 2 x 2 x 6 cm sized epidural cystic mass in the thoracic spine. Surgical total removal and biopsy were performed. The final pathologic report on the mass indicated lymphangioma.