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European Spine Journal

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01-07-2018 | CASE REPORT

Pseudomalignant osteoblastoma of the odontoid process

Authors: Pedro Fernandes, Joaquim Soares do Brito, Adília Costa, Jacinto Monteiro

Published in: European Spine Journal | Special Issue 3/2018

Abstract

Introduction

The anterior elements of the spine, particularly the odontoid processes, are a rare location for osteoblastomas. Pseudomalignant osteoblastomas are themselves rare histologic types and are also extremely rare in this location. Most osteoblastomas are Enneking stage 2 lesions; less frequently, they can be more aggressive with extra-capsular extension (Enneking stage 3). En bloc resection is recommended for aggressive lesions, but the literature is less clear regarding the approach to stage 2 tumors, particularly those with pseudomalignant histologic features.

Case report

A 6-year-old male child presented with a type III pathologic fracture of the odontoid. The fracture healed but upon 6-month follow-up CT scanning, an expansile lesion was detected. Surgical biopsy revealed an osteoblastoma which was treated with intralesional excision. Meanwhile, the excised specimen showed histological features of a pseudomalignant osteoblastoma. Despite this diagnosis, no further treatment was undertaken. At a 10-year follow-up, the patient was free from pain and had full range of motion of the cervical spine; no recurrence was detected.

Conclusion

This unique case of odontoid osteoblastoma illustrates that malignant behavior may not be predicted only by the presence of pseudomalignant features on histology.

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Title: Pseudomalignant osteoblastoma of the odontoid process
Authors: Pedro Fernandes
Joaquim Soares do Brito
Adília Costa
Jacinto Monteiro
Publication date: 01-07-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Spine Journal / Issue Special Issue 3/2018
Print ISSN: 0940-6719
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0932
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-018-5500-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Pseudomalignant osteoblastoma of the odontoid process

Abstract

Introduction

Case report

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Case report

Conclusion

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