Aneurysmal bone cysts as a diagnostic consideration in juvenile patients: Considerations from humans and animals

Abstract

Aneurysmal bone cysts are benign, locally aggressive bone lesions observed in both human and veterinary species, most frequently in a juvenile population. These lesions are now accepted to have a neoplastic aetiology, cause local pain and may result in secondary pathologic fractures. Advanced imaging modalities, such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, are helpful in characterisation and diagnosis; however, biopsy and histopathology are required to definitively diagnose these lesions. Surgical excision of aneurysmal bone cysts is the most frequently reported treatment method; however, numerous other surgical and medical management strategies are reported across the human and veterinary literature. The limited number of published equine studies on aneurysmal bone cysts suggests that horses may have unique considerations in terms of location and associated morbidity that warrant further discussion.