Aneurysmal bone cyst of the orbit

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neurosurgery
• Pathology

Background:

• Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) are rare, benign, expansile bone lesions.
• Orbital involvement by ABCs is exceptionally uncommon, posing diagnostic and surgical challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of an aneurysmal bone cyst involving the orbit, paranasal sinuses, and middle cranial fossa.
• To review the literature for similar cases of orbital aneurysmal bone cysts.

Main Methods:

• Case presentation of a 16-year-old female with progressive proptosis.
• Radiological imaging (X-ray) to delineate the extent of the lesion.
• Histopathological confirmation via biopsy.
• Surgical excision of the lesion.
• Literature review of aneurysmal bone cysts involving the orbit.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with painless, progressive left eye proptosis.
• Imaging revealed an extensive lesion involving the left orbit, antrum, and middle cranial fossa.
• Biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of aneurysmal bone cyst.
• The lesion was surgically excised with no evidence of recurrence after a three-year follow-up.
• Only seven previous cases of orbital aneurysmal bone cysts were identified in the literature.

Conclusions:

• Aneurysmal bone cysts can rarely present with significant orbital, sinonasal, and intracranial extension.
• Surgical excision is an effective treatment for orbital aneurysmal bone cysts.
• This case adds to the limited literature on orbital aneurysmal bone cysts, emphasizing their rarity and management.