Primary and secondary aneurysmal bone cyst: a radiological study of 75 cases

Radiology. 1978 Jan;126(1):75-83. doi: 10.1148/126.1.75.

Abstract

Radiological findings in 75 cases of aneurysmal bone cyst were analyzed. Sixty-five per cent were primary or simple and 35% were secondary, the aneurysmal bone cyst being combined with other osseous lesions. A primary aneurysmal bone cyst can be diagnosed with a high degree of certainty, but only 20% of secondary forms had the radiological appearance of aneurysmal bone cyst; in the other 80% the associated lesion dominated the radiological picture, particularly when it was malignant. In the secondary form a small biopsy specimen may show the features of aneurysmal bone cyst only; without radiological assistance a concomitant malignant lesion may be missed. Therefore, there must be close collaboration between the radiologist and and the pathologist.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Bone Cysts / diagnostic imaging*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiography