Estudio radiológico simple de quiste óseo simple y aneurismático: diagnóstico diferencial / Plain radiologic assessment of unicameral and aneurysmal bone cyst: differential diagnosis

OBJETIVO Dar a conocer nuestra experiencia en el diagnóstico diferencial de los quistes óseos simple y aneurismático mediante estudio radiológico simple. MATERIALES Y METODOS Se incluyeron pacientes menores de 20 años con radiografía de quiste óseo simple o aneurismático histológicamente confirmado pertenecientes al Registro Nacional de Tumores Óseos. Las radiografías fueron analizadas por dos radiólogos experimentados. Se compararon las variables demográficas de los pacientes, y las variables clínicas y radiológicas de ambos quistes. RESULTADOS Un total de 97 pacientes cumplieron los criterios de inclusión (65% presentaba quistes óseos simples y 35%, aneurismáticos). No se observaron diferencias en cuanto a la edad, al hueso comprometido, al tamaño de la lesión, a la expansión ósea, ni al adelgazamiento cortical. El género, la forma de presentación, la presencia de interrupción de la cortical, y la localización de la lesión en los ejes longitudinal y transversal del hueso son parámetros que podrían ser útiles en el diagnóstico diferencial de ambos quistes. DISCUSIÓN Los quistes óseos simple y aneurismático son lesiones benignas frecuentes que, de acuerdo con la literatura, serían difíciles de diferenciar únicamente con radiografía simple. La resonancia magnética permite una mejor caracterización anatómica, y aporta sensibilidad y especificidad al diagnóstico. Sin embargo, debe ser precedida por la radiografía simple, y su disponibilidad es limitada. CONCLUSIÓN Aun en centros con disponibilidad de resonancia magnética, la radiografía simple sigue siendo el estudio inicial de elección en el diagnóstico de tumores óseos. Ciertas características demográficas y radiográficas permiten orientar el diagnóstico diferencial inicial entre el quiste óseo simple y el aneurismático

OBJETIVE To describe our experience in the differential diagnosis of unicameral and aneurysmal bone cysts using plain radiography. PATIENCES AND METHODS We included patients under 20 years of age with radiographs of histologically-confirmed unicameral or aneurysmal bone cysts found on the Chilean National Bone-Tumor Registry. The radiographs were evaluated by two experienced radiologists. We compared the demographic variables of the patients, and the clinical and radiological variables of both tumors.. RESULTADOS A total of 97 patients met the inclusion criteria, 65% of whom had simple bone cysts, and 35%, aneurysmal bone cysts. No differences were found regarding age, the bone affected, the size of the lesion, bone expansion, nor cortical thinning. Gender, clinical presentation, cortical interruption, and location of the lesion on the longitudinal and transverse bone axes are parameters that could be used in the differential diagnosis of both cysts. DISCUSSION According to the literature, unicameral and aneurysmal bone cysts are frequent benign lesions that are difficult to differentiate merely through plain radiographs. Magnetic resonance imaging enables a better anatomical characterization and provides sensitivity and specificity to the diagnosis. However, its availability is limited, and it should be preceded by plain radiography. CONCLUSION Plain radiography is still the initial imaging study of choice in patients with clinical suspicion of bone tumor, even in those centers where magnetic resonance imaging is available. Certain demographic and radiological characteristics guide physicians in the differential diagnosis of unicameral and aneurysmal bone cysts.

Assessment of spontaneous resolution of idiopathic bone cavity

Abstract Idiopathic Bone Cavity (IBC) or Simple Bone Cyst (SBC) is a non- epithelialized bone cavity with serosanguinous fluid content or empty. There is a literature debate regarding its pathogenesis that remains unclear. The main treatment option is the surgical exploration, although there are successful cases described in the literature in which just a follow-up with clinical and radiographic evaluation was performed. Objective This study aimed to assess the spontaneous resolution of idiopathic bone cavity untreated by surgery. Material and Methods Twenty-one patients diagnosed with surgically untreated IBC were submitted to a follow-up protocol modified from Damante, Guerra, and Ferreira5 (2002). A clinical and radiographic evaluation was performed in 13 patients (13/21), while eight patients (8/21) were only radiographically evaluated. Three observers evaluated the panoramic radiographs of 21 patients and the Kappa test was performed by intra and inter-examiners. Inductive and descriptive statistics were applied to the results. Results Only one patient had a positive response to palpation and percussion of the teeth in the cyst area. Most of the cysts evaluated were rated as 3 (lesion "in involution"), 4 (lesion "almost completely resolved"), or 5 ("completely resolved"). Conclusions We observed progressive spontaneous resolution of IBC. Most cysts were found in the recovery process in different follow-up periods. Patient's follow-up, without surgery, may be considered after the diagnosis based on epidemiological, clinical, and radiographic features of the lesion.

Neumoquiste vertebral en columna lumbar: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Vertebral body pneumatocyst in lumbar spine: a case report and review of the literature

Los neumoquistes intraóseos, son lesiones cavitadas de contenido gaseoso, las cuales generalmente son encontradas como hallazgos incidentales en exámenes imagenológicos a nivel sacroiliaco, pubis, sacro, clavícula, cabeza humeral, columna cervical, torácica y en menor medida, en la columna lumbar. La tomografía computarizada es el examen de elección para realizar la confirmación diagnóstica y descartar diagnósticos diferenciales, y su patrón característico se describe como una lesión de aspecto quística con atenuación por gas intralesión con rangos entre -950 y -580 H. El diagnóstico diferencial debe incluir otras posibles causas de gas intraóseo como osteomielitis, osteonecrosis, quistes óseos o subcondrales, entre otros. Si bien la progresión natural del neumoquiste intraoseo es desconocida, distintos autores han descrito que en seguimientos radiológicos hasta 4 años, el tamaño de las lesiones se mantiene estable, e incluso en otros casos se han resuelto de manera espontánea, sin embargo, en otros se ha reportado un crecimiento progresivo en seguimiento de 16 meses. En cuanto al manejo del neumoquiste intraóseo, en la mayoría de los casos reportados se ha observado una evolución benigna, con manejo conservador de las lesiones, sin embargo frente a lesiones de gran tamaño con riesgo de fractura patológica se debe plantear la posibilidad de manejo quirúrgico con corpectomía e injerto óseo. Debido a la escasa evidencia respecto de esa lesión, es que se reporta un caso de neumoquiste vertebral lumbar, describiendo su estudio, evolución y manejo.

The intraosseous pneumatocyst, is a rare condition in which there is gas-filled cystic lesion in the bone which is incidentally discovered on imaging studies and has been observed in relation to iliosacral joint, the humeral head, medial end of the clavicle, cervical spine, and thoracolumbar spine. The computer tomography (CT) is the most useful radiological tool for the diagnosis of the pneumatocyst and the pathognomonic finding is a cystic-like lesion with attenuation that ranges from 950 to 580 Hounsfield units, indicating gas, surrounded by a sclerotic rim. Main differential diagnosis includes other possible causes of intraosseous gas such as infectious osteomyelitis, osteonecrosis, solitary bone cysts, and subchondral cysts. The natural progression of the intraosseous pneumatocyst is unclear. Some authors suggest that these lesions remained unchanged up to 4 years of follow up with CT, and even spontaneous resolution of the pneumatocyst have been reported, but others authors found progressive growth of the lesions in few weeks, months or years. Surgical treatment could be indicated in symptomatic patients or with progressive growth of the lesion at CT follow up that could increase the potential risk of vertebral fracture. We report a case of vertebral body intraosseous pneumoatocyst in lumbar spine describing the diagnosis process and management.

Benign tumors and tumor-like lesions of the calcaneum: A study of 12 cases.

Benign tumors of the calcaneum are rare. Cystic lesions such as simple bone cysts and aneurysmal bone cysts are commonly seen. Aims and Objectives: To evaluate tumors of the calcaneum, which were seen over a 12-year period. Materials and Methods: We analyzed noninfectious, noninflammatory, benign lesions of the calcaneum seen in the Orthopedic Out Patient Department from 1991 to 2003. Twelve such tumors were encountered. There were 11 males and one female and their ages varied from 18 to 53 years with a median of 31. Data was collected from the histopathology reports, radiographs, and inpatient and outpatient records. One of the coauthors reviewed the histopathologic findings of all the tumors. Results: Twelve benign lesions were seen in 12 patients. In our series, cysts predominated, with three aneurysmal bone cysts and five simple bone cysts. The other benign tumors were: one fibrous dysplasia, one vascular hamartoma, one osteoblastoma, and one chondromyxoid fibroma. The bone cysts were treated by curettage, with or without bone grafting, except for one large aneurysmal bone cyst, which was treated by excision of the calcaneum. The postoperative function in this patient was good, with modified footwear. Conclusion: The calcaneum is an uncommon site for most bone tumors, and in our series, bone cysts were the most common benign lesions. Curettage and bone grafting or the use of bone substitutes can be effectively used in the treatment of symptomatic bone cysts of the calcaneum.

Panoramic radiography

Panoramic radiograph can provide an additional diagnostic information. However we realise that panoramic radiographs are adjuncts to and not substitutes for good radiogrph