[Chemical embolization using estrogen for aneurysmal bone cyst of the skull: case report]

A case of aneurysmal bone cyst of the fronto-parietal bone was reported. The patient was a 48-year-old female with the complaints of conjunctival hyperemia and exophthalmus of the right side. Right selective externography revealed both arteriovenous fistula between right middle meningeal artery and diploic vein, and abnormal venous pooling draining into right superior ophthalmic vein. These symptoms probably caused by the increased intraorbital venous pressure in the right side. Skull plain film and CT scan showed blow-out appearance of right fronto-parietal bone in accordance with the enlargement of diploic space. The bulged area and the rest of the affected part of the bone presented faintly coarse "soap bubble" pattern. And the affected bone, being radiolucent, had well demarcated borders which are distinct and smooth, with faint sclerosis. Both arteriovenous fistula and clinical symptom have disappeared completely by the continuous injection of conjugated estrogen into the right external carotid artery. This is the first case that proved chemical embolization using estrogen will effect a cure in the treatment of aneurysmal bone cyst.