Aneurysmal Bone Cyst of the Mandible: A Case Report
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54361/LJMR.20.2.72Keywords:
Aneurysmal bone cyst, cone-beam computed tomography, case report, LibyaAbstract
Background: Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a rare, benign, non-neoplastic, expansile osteolytic lesion characterized by blood-filled spaces separated by fibrous septa. While ABCs commonly occur in the metaphyseal regions of long bones and the spine, involvement of the craniofacial skeleton is uncommon, representing approximately 1-2% of all reported cases. The pathogenesis of ABC remains incompletely understood, with proposed mechanisms including reactive vascular malformation, post-traumatic origin, and genetic susceptibility involving USP6 gene rearrangements.
Case Presentation: A 15-year-old Libyan female presented with an incidental finding of a painless swelling in the left posterior mandible during a routine dental examination. Panoramic radiography revealed a well-defined, unilocular radiolucent lesion extending from the left first molar to the left third molar, with no root resorption. Cone-beam computed tomography demonstrated cortical thinning and buccolingual expansion, without perforation or involvement of the inferior alveolar canal. Fine needle aspiration yielded blood, prompting CT angiography, which excluded vascular malformations. The patient underwent surgical curettage with primary closure under general anaesthesia. Intraoperatively, the lesion exhibited characteristic bluish discoloration and blood-filled spaces. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of ABC. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of a structured diagnostic approach combining appropriate imaging and, when indicated, CT angiography to exclude vascular lesions before surgical intervention. Thorough curettage remains an effective treatment modality for ABCs of the mandible, with excellent bone healing observed a six-month follow-up.
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