Review Article
Aneurysmal bone cyst of the pelvis and extremities: Contemporary management
Authors:
Shahryar Noordin,
Departments of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi, PK
About Shahryar
MBBS, FCPS
Tashfeen Ahmad ,
Department of Surgery, Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, Karachi 74800, PK
About Tashfeen
MBBS, FCPS, PhD
Masood Umer,
Departments of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi, PK
About Masood
MBBS, FCPS
Salim Allana,
Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, US
About Salim
MBBS, MPH
Kiran Hilal,
Departments of Radiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi, PK
About Kiran
MBBS, FCPS
Nasir Uddin,
Departments of Pathology and Microbiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi, PK
About Nasir
MBBS, FCPS
Pervaiz Hashmi
Departments of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi, PK
About Pervaiz
MBBS, FCPS
Abstract
Aneurysmal bone cysts are tumors of bone occurring predominantly in the metaphyses of long bones and posterior elements of spine in adolescents and young adults. Radiographically, on x-rays they appear as eccentric metaphyseal expansile lytic lesions containing “fluid-fluid” levels. Computed tomographic scan and magnetic resonance imaging clearly define the cysts and fluid-fluid levels; the former delineates cortical expansion and the latter the fibrovascular component clearly. Magnetic resonance imaging is particularly useful in differentiating aneurysmal bone cysts from malignant lesions. Histologically, these cysts are characterized by fibrovascular tissue, multinucleated giant cells, inflammatory cells, fiber-osteoid, “blue bone,” and blood filled lacunae. Chromosomal translocation has been found, implying a neoplastic basis for the development of aneurysmal bone cysts. Malignant transformation has been reported where radiation therapy was used, and in cysts associated with sarcomas. A high ratio of cellular component as compared with osteoid, and a high mitotic index have been reported to be associated with higher recurrence after treatment. Management is aimed at addressing patients’ symptoms and preventing/treating fracture, and can broadly be divided into nonoperative management (drug and radiation therapy), minimally invasive strategies (angiographic embolization, percutaneous injections), and operative management (curettage and bone grafting, en bloc excision). To reduce chances of recurrence, adjuvants such as electrocautery, high speed burr, phenol, cryotherapy, and argon beam laser have been used with variable degrees of success. With contemporary management, a cure rate of 70%–90% is expected.
How to Cite:
Noordin S, Ahmad T, Umer M, Allana S, Hilal K, Uddin N, et al.. Aneurysmal bone cyst of the pelvis and extremities: Contemporary management. International Journal of Surgery: Oncology. 2019;4(3):e71. DOI: http://doi.org/10.1097/IJ9.0000000000000071
Published on
02 Jul 2019.
Peer Reviewed
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