Malignant Transformation of an Aneurysmal Bone Cyst in a Dog

Abstract

Aneurysmal bone cysts are benign but may be transformed into a malignancy after surgical manipulation. Complete surgical excision should be attempted where possible. In this case, distal ulnar ostectomy was an effective means of preserving limb function and preventing local recurrence of chondrosarcoma.

Computed tomography-guided cementoplasty combined with radiation therapy for an aneurysmal bone cyst in a dog: a case report

“…Although the ABC is benign, the risk of local recurrence after treatment has been described in the literature (Feigenberg et al 2001;Sarierler et al 2004;Mendenhall et al 2006). Also, malignant transformation has been reported in humans and in a Labrador retriever previously treated with different surgical procedures (Barnhart 2002;Mei et al 2009). ABCs do not usually metastasise (Sarierler et al 2004) but one case of lung, liver and kidney metastasis in a human patient has been described (Van De Luijtgaarden et al 2009).…”

“…Since first being described in 1942 (Mendenhall et al 2006), ABCs were defined as benign, non-neoplastic lesions in the bone, probably as a result of a primary injury such as trauma; a bone tumour or fibrous dystrophy of the bone, which in turn could cause a haemodynamic disturbance that increased the venous pressure; and primary or secondary to arteriovenous malformation and bony reaction (Szendroi et al 1998;Barnhart 2002;Sarierler et al 2004;Mei et al 2009). A hereditary predisposition in Doberman pinchers has also been reported (Sarierler et al 2004;Dernell et al 2007).…”

“…In animals, a few cases, mostly in horses, cattle, dogs and cats, have been reported (Barnhart 2002). Most commonly, ABCs appear in the metaphysis of long bones, but they have also been reported in the vertebra, pelvis, rib and scapula (Barnhart 2002).…”

“…Most commonly, ABCs appear in the metaphysis of long bones, but they have also been reported in the vertebra, pelvis, rib and scapula (Barnhart 2002). Although the ABC is benign, the risk of local recurrence after treatment has been described in the literature (Feigenberg et al 2001;Sarierler et al 2004;Mendenhall et al 2006).…”

“…In humans, treatment options include radiotherapy, en bloc resection for expendable bones, curettage, bone graft or bone graft substitute like polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) filling of the defect, also known as bone cementation. Cryosurgery, phenolisation, cauterisation, arterial embolisation, steroid injection and calcitonin have been used as adjuvants to the classic treatments (Feigenberg et al 2001;Barnhart 2002;Sarierler et al 2004). In dogs, treatment options that have been reported include curettage, cancellous bone graft, autograft, filling the lesion with PMMA, and amputation (Barnhart 2002;Dowdle et al 2003;Sarierler et al 2004).…”