Novel method to biopsy aneurysmal bone cysts in children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric radiology
• Interventional radiology
• Orthopedic oncology

Background:

• Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) present diagnostic challenges due to thin, friable septations.
• Percutaneous biopsy is crucial for definitive diagnosis but can be difficult to perform effectively.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a novel percutaneous biopsy technique for aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) using endomyocardial biopsy forceps.
• To assess the diagnostic yield and safety of this new method in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study over 17 years including pediatric patients with presumed ABCs.
• Biopsies performed using standard needles or endomyocardial biopsy forceps.
• Comparison of diagnostic yield between standard and forceps-assisted biopsy techniques.

Main Results:

• Endomyocardial biopsy forceps were used in 30.4% of cases, improving diagnostic yield from 40.0% to 100.0% (p=0.008).
• Conclusive pathologic diagnosis was achieved in 56.5% of all biopsies.
• No complications were reported with the use of forceps.

Conclusions:

• Endomyocardial biopsy forceps represent a novel and effective technique for percutaneous biopsy of aneurysmal bone cysts.
• This method shows potential to significantly enhance the diagnostic accuracy for ABCs in pediatric patients.