Anat Cell Biol.  2019 Jun;52(2):204-207. 10.5115/acb.2019.52.2.204.

Chondroid metaplasia of paraspinal connective tissue in the degenerative spine

• Stevens S
• Agten A
• Wisanto E
• Monaco ML
• Verbrugghe J
• Timmermans A
• Lambrichts I
• Vandenabeele F

• KMID: 2451225
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5115/acb.2019.52.2.204

Abstract

A 51-year-old male was routinely biopsied during a paraspinal muscle study. The biopsy sample was taken from the right erector spinae muscle at the fourth lumbar vertebra. The patient had no history of (diagnosed) major back trauma. The obtained sample was histologically analyzed (hematoxylin and eosin, safranin O), and complementary magnetic resonance imaging was performed. The biopsied sample contained chondroid tissue. Based on its location, the biopsy sample was appointed as chondroid metaplasia. Although chondroid metaplasia is not uncommon in humans, this is the first report of chondroid metaplasia within the paraspinal connective tissue. We propose a novel mechanism to explain the paraspinal chrondrogenic changes, related to spinal degeneration.

Keyword

Chondroid metaplasia; Paraspina; Lumbar spine; Degeneration; Muscle biopsy

MeSH Terms

Biopsy
Connective Tissue*
Eosine Yellowish-(YS)
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Male
Metaplasia*
Middle Aged
Paraspinal Muscles
Spine*
Eosine Yellowish-(YS)

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Hematoxylin and eosin staining (×40) showing the chondrocytes (black) within their lacunae indicated using white arrows. (B) Safranin O (×40) showing cartilage (red/orange) and connective tissue (green), nuclei (black); groups of chondrocytes within their lacunae are indicated using white arrows.

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  Fig. 2 Biopsy of the right paraspinal muscle. Distance between spinous process and biopsy site, 40 mm; biopsy angle, 35°; normal biopsy depth from fascia (#) into muscle (*), 22 mm.

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  Fig. 3 Sagittal view of T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine indicating discus bulging at L4–L5, pronounced degenerative disc disease at L5–S1 with pseudo-bulging caused by degree one anterolisthesis (white arrow). Biopsy level is indicated (dotted line).

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