Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2026
03:13
Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy and Pineal Biopsy from a Single Entry Point
Published on: June 28, 2024
Large occipital aneurysmal bone cyst causing obstructive hydrocephalus in a pediatric patient
Brian R Curtis1, Rory J Petteys, Christopher T Rossi
1Division of Neurosurgery, Children’s National Medical Center, George Washington University Medical Center, 111 Michigan Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20010, USA.
Journal of Neurosurgery. Pediatrics
|October 16, 2012
Summary
Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) are rare benign bone lesions. This case highlights an occipital bone ABC causing hydrocephalus and cranial nerve issues, emphasizing diagnosis and surgical management.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Orthopedic Oncology
- Radiology
Background:
- Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) are uncommon, benign, expansile, osteolytic bone lesions.
- While typically found in long bones and the spine, ABCs can rarely occur in the cranial vault and skull base.
Observation:
- A patient presented with incidentally discovered hydrocephalus.
- Imaging revealed a large aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) of the occipital bone.
Findings:
- The occipital bone ABC caused significant mass effect.
- The lesion led to obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow, resulting in hydrocephalus.
- Cranial nerve deficits were also noted due to the mass effect.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare diagnoses like cranial ABCs in patients with unexplained hydrocephalus.
- Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for managing mass effect and neurological deficits caused by cranial ABCs.
- The report contributes to the understanding of the presentation and management of occipital bone ABCs.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction
Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component expands, CSF and venous blood...
01:26Brain Abscess l: Introduction
A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
01:22Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology
Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...
01:29Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology
Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins with...
01:14Cranial Bones: Superior and Posterior View
The superior view of the cranium shows the frontal and paired parietal bones.
The frontal bone is the single bone that forms the forehead. At its anterior midline, between the eyebrows, there is a slight depression called the glabella. The frontal bone also forms the supraorbital margin of the orbit. Near the middle of this margin is the supraorbital foramen, the opening that provides passage for a sensory nerve to the forehead. The frontal bone is thickened just above each supraorbital margin,...
The frontal bone is the single bone that forms the forehead. At its anterior midline, between the eyebrows, there is a slight depression called the glabella. The frontal bone also forms the supraorbital margin of the orbit. Near the middle of this margin is the supraorbital foramen, the opening that provides passage for a sensory nerve to the forehead. The frontal bone is thickened just above each supraorbital margin,...
01:25Glaucoma: Overview
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...