Sclerotherapy in aneurysmal bone cysts in children: a review of 17 cases

To determine the efficacy of percutaneous sclerotherapy in the treatment of aneurysmal bone cysts.

Seventeen patients (7 girls, 10 boys) with aneurysmal bone cysts were treated by the percutaneous approach with Ethibloc (n=14) and histoacryl glue (n=3) in our institution between January 1994 and June 2000. The cysts were located in the extremities (n=6), pelvis (n=2), spine (n=2), mandible (n=5), rib (n=1) and sphenoid bone (n=1). Percutaneous sclerotherapy was performed with fluoroscopic and/or computed tomographic guidance under general anesthesia. Clinical and imaging follow-up lasted from 24 months to 9 years and 6 months (mean: 57.3 months). The results were quantified as: excellent (residual cyst less than 20% of the initial involvement), satisfactory (residual cyst 30–50%), unsatisfactory (residual cyst more than 50%).

The age of the patients ranged from 4 years and 6 months to 15 years and 8 months (mean: 11 years and 2 months). In nine patients, the therapeutic procedure was repeated 2–5 times. Excellent regression was observed in 16 (94%), satisfactory results in 1 (6%). There was no failure (unsatisfactory result or no response to treatment) in this reported series. The complications were minor and included: local inflammatory reaction (n=2), small blister (n=1), and leakage (n=1). Relief of symptoms was achieved in all patients. No recurrence was noted during follow-up.

Percutaneous sclerotherapy of aneurysmal bone cysts with Ethibloc is safe and effective. It is an important alternative to surgery, especially when surgery is technically impossible or not recommended in high-risk patients.