Aneurysmal bone cyst of the jaws. Report of a case associated with fibrous dysplasia and review of the literature

The Long-Term Natural History of Fibrous Dysplasia

Fibrous dysplasia (FD), a developmental, nonfamilial, benign anomaly of bone development, is characterized by the replacement of normal bone by proliferating fibro-osseous tissue. Marked craniofacial deformities, functional disturbances, and emotional stress are major indications for treatment, and various surgical procedures have been performed; however, excision and regrowth issues have also been reported. While several treatment options are available, no studies have reported the natural history of untreated FD. Here, we report 2 patients, aged 73 and 50 years, respectively, who had not received treatment. Both patients presented to the hospital complaining of noise when moving their heads. Computed tomography scans showed niveau with honeycomb cavities in both patients, indicating abscess formation, and resection was performed. Relatively large cranial FD leads to the development of central necrosis over time. In such cases, surgical intervention should be performed at an early disease stage.

Clinicopathology and Recurrence Analysis of 44 Jaw Aneurysmal Bone Cyst Cases: A Literature Review

In the past half-century, considerable attention has been paid to oral and maxillofacial skeletal cyst, however, aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC), unlike other common bone diseases, still contours numerous unanswered questions in terms of classification, etiology and pathological mechanism. The purpose of this article was to evaluate the proportion of primary ABC and secondary ABC, and to assess the recurrence of ABC and related factors. A methodical search of Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science was conducted for well-documented jaw aneurysmal bone cyst (JABC) cases. One hundred thirty-one articles were identified after database searching and 31 of them were included in our study for further research with 44 JABC cases. All the articles were analyzed by two separate authors. About 25% of the reported jaw aneurysmal bone cyst was secondary. Both the pathological classification and surgical treatment had a significant influence on recurrence rate (P = 0.0082, P = 0.0022), while patients' age or radiographic features rarely affected prognosis. Jaw aneurysmal bone cysts can present variable clinical and histological presentations. Recurrence may be attributed to omittance of underlying potential blood supply or conservative surgical protocol.

Fibrous dysplasia with secondary aneurysmal bone cyst-a rare case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION

Fibrous dysplasia (FD) and aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) are uncommon non-neoplastic intraosseous lesions, and the occurrence of concomitant FD and ABC is extremely rare.

CASE REPORT

An 11-year-old boy presented with gradual progressive enlargement of his right zygomatic bone over 4 years prior to presentation. Computed tomography revealed a lesion with a central bony area showing a ground-glass appearance surrounded by a well-defined expansile lesion with internal septations. An incisional biopsy was performed and suggested a fibro-osseous lesion. Resection was performed, followed by immediate reconstruction using autogenous bone graft from the iliac crest. Histopathological examination revealed irregularly shaped trabeculae comprising immature woven bone in a fibroblastic cell-rich stroma. Blood-filled sinusoidal spaces lined by fibrous septa containing scattered multinucleated giant cells were observed peripherally. These findings were compatible with concomitant FD and ABC. The patient was disease-free at the time of his 10-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our literature search, this report is the first to describe concomitant monostotic FD and ABC in the zygomatic bone. Accurate diagnosis requires careful investigation and examination of clinical, radiographical, and histopathological features. The treatment of choice should provide an esthetic and functional improvement in the patient.

Simple and aneurysmal bone cyst: Aspects of jaw pseudocysts based on an experience of Brazilian pathology service during 53 years

Background

Jaw pseudocysts are benign osseous lesions of unclear etiology. Among these, the simple bone cyst (SBC) and aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) are intriguing bone pathologies still rarely studied together. This retrospective study aimed to present the long-term case series of patients with jaw pseudocysts focusing on the clinical, radiographic, and transoperative aspects.

Material and Methods

A retrospective case series of patients with SBC and ABC was performed. Clinical, radiographic, and transoperative aspects of both pseudocysts were reviewed from the histopathological archives of 20,469 cases between 1959-2012. All descriptive data were summarized.

Results

Of 354 (15.25%) bone pathologies, 54 cases of jaw pseudocysts were found, with 42 (11.86%) SBC and 12 (3.39%) ABC cases. For both lesions, most of the sample were young Caucasian women with an asymptomatic posterior mandible lesion with undetermined time of evolution and none trauma history. A unique radiolucent scalloped lesion presenting an empty cavity were also observed for both conditions. However, some atypical findings were found for SBC including: the expansion of bone cortical, tooth resorption, displacement of the mandibular canal, and recurrence. The absence of painful symptoms and the lack of classical blood-filled cavity were observed in some cases of ABC.

Conclusions

The SBC and ABC are bone pathologies with few retrospective studies, no previous studies on the two conditions, varied nomenclature, and atypical aspects in some cases. Therefore, the knowledge of clinical, imaging, and transoperative features of such pseudocysts are clinically valuable as diagnosis hypothesis of radiolucent lesions of the jaws.

Key words:Simple bone cyst, aneurysmal bone cyst, pseudocysts, jaws.

Psammomatoid Ossifying Fibroma of the Ethmoid Sinus with Secondary Intracranial Aneurymal Bone Cyst: A Case Report and Literature Review

Juvenile psammomatoid ossifying fibroma (JPOF) is a rare, slowly progressive tumor of the extragnathic craniofacial bones, with a tendency toward locally aggressive behavior and recurrence. The pathognomonic histopathologic feature is the presence of spherical ossicles, which are similar to psammoma bodies. Very few cases in association with secondary aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) formation have been reported in literature. Treatment consists of complete surgical removal. However, incomplete excision has been associated with a high local recurrence rate. The prognosis is good because malignant change and metastasis have not been reported. The authors are reporting a case of JPOF of the ethmoid bones with secondary ABC in a 7-year-old female patient.

Assessment of 120 maxillofacial aneurysmal bone cysts: a nationwide quest to understand this enigma

PURPOSE

Compared with other maxillofacial lesions, oral and maxillofacial (OM) aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) are rare, and most studies have been case reports. Because the features or radiographic findings of 1 case could not be representative of the whole, conclusions cannot be drawn and data analyses will not be feasible. Our aim was to assess and describe the clinical and histopathologic characteristics of a large sample of subjects with ABCs. To our knowledge, the present case series of OM ABCs is the largest ever reported.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To address our research purpose, we designed and implemented a retrospective case series. A multicenter retrospective cohort study of patient charts dated from 1967 to 2013 (46 years) at 10 major universities in 8 cities was undertaken to assess OM ABCs nationwide. Subjects were included if they had documented chart data and definitive histopathologic slides confirming the diagnosis and treatment of ABC. They were excluded if their histopathologic slides did not confirm the diagnosis of an ABC. Data were collected, and special forms were completed. Variables such as age, gender, site (ie, maxilla, mandible, anterior, posterior), histologic type (ie, solid, mixed, vascular), signs, symptoms, radiographic features (ie, radiolucency, unicystic or multilocular), and outcomes (ie, treatment modal, recurrence, complications) of the lesion were evaluated and documented by OM surgeons and confirmed by OM pathologists for assurance. Data analyses were performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 20, software (SPSS, Chicago, IL) (P < .05).

RESULTS

We assessed the medical records and histopathologic slides of 120 patients diagnosed and treated for OM ABCs nationwide. Of these patients, 69 were male (57.5%) and 51 were female (42.5%), with no predilection found. The key findings were as follows. The mean age of occurrence was 20.7 ± 2.5 years (range 4 to 78), and occurrence was significantly greater in the first 2 decades of life (P < .001). The incidence was 2.6 cases/year. ABCs were significantly more common in the mandible (P < .05) and posterior areas (P < .05). The most common histopathologic type was the mixed type (P < .05). Firm swelling was the most common clinical presentation (P < .05); all cases were radiolucent and commonly unilateral (P < .05). Most were treated by excision and curettage. Recurrence was reported in 11 patients (9.2%) during the follow-up period (1 to 45 years).

CONCLUSIONS

The present retrospective cohort found ABCs with a variable presentation, disease course, and histopathologic type, with no gender predilection. ABCs were significantly more common in childhood and adolescence and in the mandible and posterior areas of the jaws. Of the cases reviewed, 90% were treated by excision and curettage. ABCs had a relatively low recurrence rate (<10%), precluding the need to perform aggressive surgery primarily.

Aneurysmal bone cyst of maxilla with ectopic molar tooth - a case report

Aneurysmal cysts of bone are rare non-neoplastic, locally aggressive lesion of bone with propensity for rapid growth, affecting mainly the long bones and spine. It rarely occurs in the head and neck region and within the head and neck mandible (especially the molar areas) is common. Aneurysmal cyst of bone involving the maxilla in the first decade of life is even rarer. We report a case of giant aneurysmal bone cyst of maxilla in eight-year-old male with ectopic molar tooth within the cyst. Is endoscopic excision possible? Endoscopic excision of the cyst was done successfully and no recurrence was noted even after 1 year of follow up.

Craniofacial fibrous dysplasia

Fibrous dysplasia can present clinically in varied forms which may appear as collision of different pathologic processes. We report a rare case of craniofacial fibrous dysplasia with coexisting epithelial lined cyst and superimposed osteomyelitis with sequestrum formation. Its clinical features and management with possible hypotheses are described along with the post operative course. Pertinent literature has been reviewed with emphasis on pathogenesis of this unique occurrence.

Variable histopathological features of 6 cases of aneurysmal bone cysts developed in the jaws: review of the literature

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of treatment of 6 patients with ABC who were treated in our clinic.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A group of 6 patients with ABC were treated in the clinic of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the "G. Papanikolaou" hospital in Thessaloniki. The age of the patients ranged from 7 to 35 years. Four patients were female and 2 patients were male. Three lesions located in the maxilla-maxillary sinus and 3 lesions in the mandible. All the patients were treated by surgery (excision via curettage or radical resection). The final histopathologic diagnosis for one lesion was "solid" type of ABC and for another one it was ABC in association with an ossifying fibroma.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up range was 2-17 years. All the patients were free of the disease without functional problems.

CONCLUSIONS

ABC is a rare bony lesion characterized by variable clinical and radiographic features. The incisional biopsy preoperatively is important for the diagnosis before the surgical treatment. The histopathological examination of the whole lesion is determinative for the existence of associated pathological lesions. Regular follow-up is important to detect any recurrence of the lesion.

Aneurysmal bone cysts of the jaws: analysis of 17 cases

PURPOSE

Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) are benign osteolytic lesions that occur relatively rarely in the jaws. The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical and radiographic characteristics, pathologic features, and treatment results of ABCs of the jaws (JABCs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of a 20-year database, including 17 cases of JABC, was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 17 patients, 9 males and 8 females, aged 7 to 47 years (mean 20.4, median 14), were included. Of the 17 lesions, 15 (88.2%) were located in the mandible and 2 (11.8%) in the maxilla. A painless (12 of 17, 70.6%) or painful (3 of 17, 17.6%) swelling was the most common clinical finding. The pathologic analyses revealed that 13 JABCs (76.5%) were secondary in nature, including 11 cases associated with ossifying fibroma. Radiologically, the lesions frequently presented as multilocular (58.8%), well-defined (70.6%) radiolucencies (82.4%). Two lesions (11.8%) recurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that most JABCs are secondary in nature and frequently associated with ossifying fibroma. The patients with JABCs presented with various clinical and radiographic features and therefore often posed a diagnostic dilemma. Resection is the preferred treatment of JABCs.

Aneurysmal frontal bone cyst in a child with history of acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a case of rare location and history

Authors present an 11-year-old female admitted with a 3-month history of painless forehead mass. The mass was located in the left frontal area and was pronounced on inspection and palpation. Neurologic examination revealed no abnormalities. The patient was diagnosed for acute lymphoblastic leukemia 5 years ago and had been treated. The patient was under observation by the pediatric oncology clinic with remission state since 3 years. Brain computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a cystic bone lesion in the right frontal bone. A preoperative diagnosis of myeloproliferative disorder was made and it was surgically resected and cranioplasty with porous polyethylene sheets (Medpor, Porex Surgical Inc, GA) was performed in the same stage. Pathologic examination revealed an aneurysmal bone cyst. The patient recovered with complete resolution of symptoms. Although rare lesions, aneurysmal bone cysts must be considered in the differential diagnosis of calvarial mass lesions.

Review Article: Aneurysmal Bone Cysts of the Jaws

Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a osteolytic bone lesion that rarely involves the jaws. To date, a total of 92 cases of JABCs have been described in detail in English literature. They prevalently occur in the first 2 decades (72.8%) with slight female predilection. It affects the mandible more often (68.5%) with a predominant location in the mandibular ramus (31.3%) and its posterior regions (20.4%). A painless (54.7%) or painful (43.2%) bone swelling is the most frequent clinical sign. Radiologically 93.8% of the lesions present as a radiolucency; in 69.4% multilocular in appearance. 15.2% of JABCs were secondary in nature, including 8 cases associated with fibrous dysplasia. The recurrence rate (13.3%) did not differ significantly when comparing the surgical technique (curettage, 15.2%; resection, 11.8%). JABCs are known for their different clinical and radiographic features, therefore often posing a diagnostic dilemma. Some JABC's may be secondary in nature. Careful curettage is considered to be suitable as treatment for JABCs.

Aneurysmal bone cysts of the cranium in children

Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) of the cranium in children are rare, with only 3 to 6% of cases occurring in this anatomical location. Consequently, not much is known about ABCs and the most effective modality of treatment. The authors present the cases of three patients with ABCs and discuss the origin, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, pathological features, and imaging characteristics of these lesions. Furthermore the authors review the literature to find out the current treatment options for these lesions.

A comparative study of simple bone cysts of the jaw and extracranial bones

OBJECTIVES

To improve the interpretation of simple bone cyst (SBC) lesions of the jaw.

METHODS

A comparative study of SBC lesions of the jaw and extracranial bones was performed through a literature survey.

RESULTS

In extracranial SBC, the cavities were always filled with fluid, and a high recurrence rate was shown through extensive research. Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) was included in the differential diagnosis owing to some clinicopathologic similarities. Fluid, gas and blood were found in the cavity in jawbone SBC, and recurrence was believed to be rare. Differential diagnosis was rarely discussed in the literature.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on reports, the cavity did not normally contain gas because no air-fluid level was observed on panoramic radiographs and no density/intensity area indicating gas was seen on CT or MRI. A blood-filled cavity should be examined carefully, and the possibility of an ABC should be considered. The recurrence rate needs to be re-estimated because an extensive survey has not been performed to clarify the treatment outcomes of jawbone SBC.

Primary aneurysmal bone cyst of the maxillary sinus in a child: case report and review of the literature

Our case report describes a primary aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) of the maxillary sinus in a 12-year-old girl. The young patient presented with progressive diplopia, strabismus, and rapidly growing painless swelling of the left cheek. Imaging studies showed a heterogeneous contrast enhancing mass expanding the left maxillary sinus. The lesion was completely resected endoscopically and histological examination reported it as an ABC. The patient recovered well and is free of recurrence 9 months following surgery. ABC is a benign lesion usually associated with other bone pathology (fibrous dysplasia). It may behave aggressively and invade the orbit; so resection is necessary. Minimally invasive techniques such as endoscopic sinus surgery can be performed successfully in select cases. Long follow up is important because recurrence may occur, in which case further resection is warranted.

Combined surgical and endovascular treatment of a spontaneous diploic arteriovenous fistula. Case report

The authors report on the case of a 28-year-old woman presenting with an intraosseous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) located in the left parietal bone. The fistula was formed by direct arteriovenous shunts connecting branches of the left middle meningeal and superficial temporal arteries with a parietal diploic vein. Drainage occurred through both the external and internal jugular venous systems. Therapy consisted of combined surgical and endovascular approaches. The results of a pathological examination of the resected AVF showed mild enlargement of the diploic space. The angiographic appearance, pathological anatomy, and treatment of this rare lesion are discussed, as is a possible relationship between diploic AVFs and the development of aneurysm bone cysts.

Case report: Aneurysmal bone cyst of the ethmoid bone

Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) are benign, slow growing expansile lesions usually found in long bones or vertebrae. Plain radiography reveals expansion of bone and cortical thinning. MRI may assist in diagnosis by virtue of its ability to demonstrate blood-fluid levels, which is a characteristic finding in these lesions. Very few cases of ABC of the paranasal sinuses have been reported in the literature. We present MRI findings of ABC of the ethmoid sinus in a 19-year-old male.

Massive aneurysmal bone cyst of the anterior cranial fossa floor--case report

A 19-year-old male patient presented with a midline facial, nose, and forehead hard and bony swelling associated with hypertelorism. Neuroimaging revealed a massive tumor involving the anterior cranial fossa floor, which had occupied and enlarged all paranasal air sinuses, and displaced the orbits outwards and the frontal lobes of the brain superiorly. A basal transcranial route was used for radical resection of the massive and vascular tumor. Histological examination confirmed an aneurysmal bone cyst. Such tumors only rarely involve the cranial bones or paranasal air sinuses.

Cystic degeneration in fibrous dysplasia of the jaws: a case report

A case of nonspecific cystic degeneration complicating fibrous dysplasia of the mandible is presented. This condition is extremely rare in the jaw bones. The patient had a painless swelling of the right face measuring 10 cm in diameter, and there was no history of trauma. Radiographs showed a poorly defined, "ground glass" radiopaque lesion; a central well-defined cyst was confirmed by means of computed tomography. During surgery, a large cystic cavity with surrounding, soft fibrous bone that merged with the cortex was observed. Histologic examination showed a large non-epithelial-lined cystic cavity with a surrounding fibro-osseous lesion, which was consistent with a diagnosis of fibrous dysplasia.

Benign fibroosseous lesions involving the skull base, paranasal sinuses, and nasal cavity. Report of two cases

The authors report two patients with benign fibroosseous lesions involving the center of the skull base: a 15-year-old boy with repetitive meningitis and pneumocephalus and a 11-year-old boy with nasal obstruction and headache. The clinical diagnoses were ossifying fibroma and aneurysmal bone cyst, respectively. Lesions in both patients extended to the nasal cavity, the sphenoid and posterior ethmoid sinuses, and the skull base, where the planum sphenoidale, the sella turcica, the upper two-thirds of the clivus, and the medial portion of the middle cranial base were involved. The lesions were totally removed using an anterior craniofacial approach. Characteristics of these lesions and the surgical approach are discussed.

Aneurysmal bone cysts of the jaws: clinicopathological features, radiographic evaluation and treatment analysis of 17 cases

This article re-evaluates the various clinicopathological presentations and array of radiographic features displayed by aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) of the jaws. In this retrospective clinical study, 17 cases of ABCs of the jaws surgically treated during an 11-year period from 1986-1997 are evaluated. The age and sex distribution, diagnostic characteristics, mode of treatment and long-term surgical results are presented and compared with the international literature. Investigation included serial clinical examinations, appropriate radiographic evaluation, CT scans and angiograms when indicated. All the patients had mandibular lesions and were managed by complete surgical curettage of the lesions. Ten were in males (58.8%) and seven (41.2%) in females. The mean age of occurrence was 21.05 years, ranging from 7 to 58 years. Clinical presentation in these patients ranged from an asymptomatic incidental radiographic finding to an expanding, rapidly progressive and destructive lesion resulting in a pathological fracture. Radiographic findings varied from unicystic radiolucencies or moth-eaten radiolucencies to extensive multilocular lesions causing bilateral expansion and destruction of the mandibular cortices. Twelve of the patients (70.5%) could recall a history of trauma. Needle aspiration with a 16 or 18 guage needle was positive, producing syringes full of blood in all but two of the cases (88.2%). Six cases (35.2%) were extremely vascular and had increased rapidly in size, and three required angiographic studies for preoperative diagnosis and differentiation from other vascular entities. Nine of the cases (52.9%) were found in the mandibular angle-ramus area. Four cases (23.5%) required extraoral surgical access for curettage while the remainder were treated intraorally. During the follow-up period, which ranged from 2-11 years, no recurrences have occurred. Restoration of facial symmetry and bone formation has been favourable in all patients, despite the fact that grafts were not used. This 11-year study shows that ABCs present with varied clinicopathological and radiographic features and thus may pose a diagnostic dilemma. As we have not noted any recurrences following surgical curettage of mandibular lesions, we feel that initial surgical resection or bone grafting is not necessary, provided that adequate access and complete curettage can be obtained.

Aneurysmal bone cysts of the maxilla: a clinicopathologic review

PURPOSE

This study evaluated the significant differences in clinicopathologic features of aneurysmal bone cyst in the maxilla and mandible.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A search of the literature showed 30 recorded maxillary cases, and these together with one previously unrecorded case formed the basis of the study.

RESULTS

There were no differences in the age and sex incidence. Only two patients complained of pain, and no patient complained of tenderness. No patient gave a history of trauma. Swelling was present in virtually every patient. In seven cases, there was tooth mobility or migration of teeth. Two patients complained of paresthesia. Four patients presented with proptosis, two of whom complained of diplopia. The radiographic appearance of the aneurysmal bone cyst is suggestive but not diagnostic.

CONCLUSION

Although these differences do not enable the clinician to make a definitive diagnosis before biopsy, they have important implications for management.

Aneurysmal bone cyst of the zygomatic arch

BACKGROUND

Aneurysmal bone cysts are rare vascular lesions that are most commonly found in the long bones. They are rare in the head and neck. Only two prior cases of aneurysmal bone cysts of the zygoma have been reported in the world literature.

RESULTS

We report a case of aneurysmal bone cyst arising in the zygomatic arch with intracranial extension treated with selective arterial embolization and complete excision via an intratemporal fossa approach. This is the first such case reported in the head and neck surgery literature.

CONCLUSIONS

Selected cases of aneurysmal bone cyst may be safely treated with selective arterial embolization and complete resection.

Aneurysmal bone cyst of the jaws: analysis of 11 cases

Eleven cases of aneurysmal bone cyst of the mandible treated during a 7-year period were studied. The clinicopathologic features, age distribution, treatment, and surgical results were evaluated and compared with the international literature.

Fibro-osseous lesions of the face and skull with aneurysmal bone cyst formation

Aneurysmal bone cyst engraftment on benign fibro-osseous lesions, well known to occur in the extracranial skeleton, has been reported infrequently in the craniofacial bones. When this combined lesion occurs in the skull the clinical and radiographic features often suggest an aggressive neoplasm. The clinical, radiographic, and pathologic features of five cases are presented, and this uncommon lesion of the craniofacial bones is discussed in view of these cases and those reported in the literature.

Aneurysmal bone cyst versus hemangioma of the mandible. Report of a long-term follow-up of a self-limiting case

The aneurysmal bone cyst is an enigmatic and misnamed lesion displaying variable etiopathogenic and histologic characteristics. The aneurysmal bone cyst may appear as a primary lesion or as a secondary lesion associated with other pathologic entities. This article presents a probable self-limiting lesion that provides an opportunity to present an approach to classifying aneurysmal bone lesions.

Aneurysmal bone cyst of the mandible

The aneurysmal bone cyst is a nonmalignant lesion that by expanding disrupts the architecture of the affected bone and destroys surrounding tissue. Developing rarely in the craniofacial region, and more commonly affecting the long bones and the spine, the lesion has characteristic radiographic features but is definitively diagnosed only by pathologic characteristics. Complete surgical excision is used to treat aneurysmal bone cyst, with either curettage or composite resection. Recurrence is common in incompletely excised lesions. Adjunctive cryotherapy reduces the risk of recurrence, and radiotherapy is reserved for nonresectable lesions. The case we report of a young man seen for a large mandibular aneurysmal bone cyst demonstrates the complexity of diagnosing and treating this condition.

Giant cell lesions complicating fibro-osseous conditions of the jaws

Three patients who presented with giant cell lesions complicating ossifying fibroma, Paget's disease, and cherubism are reported. The giant cell lesions complicating ossifying fibroma and cherubism were diagnosed as giant cell granuloma (GCG), whereas the lesion complicating Paget's disease demonstrated more aggressive clinical and histologic features. The possible therapeutic and prognostic implications of these findings are discussed.

Central giant cell granulomas of the jaws regress with calcitonin therapy

Aggressive central giant cell granulomas may be eliminated by administering human calcitonin 0.5 mg (100 iu) deep subcutaneously for 1 year. This avoids the need for mutilating surgery or radiotherapy in growing children. Aggressive recurrent peripheral lesions (the giant cell epulis) can also be treated by excision after calcitonin therapy. These giant cell granulomas should be redefined as osteoclast granulomas, and the aneurysmal bone cyst, the cystic osteoclast granuloma. However the stimulus for the disturbance in the osteo progenitor spindle cell needs to be defined.

Aneurysmal bone cyst of the maxilla: case report and review of the literature

Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a rare benign lesion of the head and neck. A case of an ABC in a 12-year-old female is presented, the twentieth reported such case in the maxilla. Literature review shows ABC are common in the long bones; only 2% are in the head and neck. Of the 77 lesions in the head and neck found in the literature, 31 (40%) are in the mandible, 20 (26%) are in the maxilla (including this case) and the remainder mainly in the skull. Current recommended treatment is curettage with enucleation first if technically possible.

Aneurysmal bone cyst of the maxilla--an association with tooth resorption

The aneurysmal bone cyst is an uncommon lesion of the jaws. Cases involving the maxilla have been reported infrequently. Despite uncertainty as to the aetiology of the aneurysmal bone cyst, it is regarded as a benign lesion. Conservative surgical treatment with regular postoperative follow-up is recommended. The case described here presented with tooth mobility resulting from extensive root resorption. A review of the literature reveals that significant root resorption is not a commonly reported feature of aneurysmal bone cysts. For the present case we interpret the evidence as supporting a diagnosis of idiopathic root resorption complicated by the formation of a aneurysmal bone cyst.

Extensive aneurysmal bone cyst of the mandible: surgical resection and immediate reconstruction. A case report

A case of extensive aneurysmal bone cyst of the mandible is described. The surgical defect was reconstructed immediately with two autogenous ribs and corallin porous hydroxyapatite. The postoperative results were good. There was no recurrence after 2 years of follow-up. The patient does not have any functional or esthetic problems.