Thoracic Aneurysmal Bone Cyst with Spinal Cord Compression Managed with Arterial Embolization: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Spinal Surgery
• Interventional Radiology
• Pediatric Orthopedics

Background:

• Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) are rare, benign, fluid-filled bone lesions.
• ABCs most commonly affect children and adolescents.
• Spinal ABCs can cause significant morbidity, including spinal cord compression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of symptomatic spinal cord compression caused by a T1-T2 vertebral ABC in a 16-year-old male.
• To evaluate the efficacy of selective arterial embolization (SAE) as a primary treatment modality for spinal ABCs causing cord compression.
• To assess the potential of SAE as a less invasive alternative to surgical decompression.

Main Methods:

• The study involved a 16-year-old male patient presenting with symptomatic spinal cord compression.
• The lesion was identified as an aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) involving the T1 and T2 vertebrae.
• Treatment was performed using selective arterial embolization (SAE).

Main Results:

• Successful decompression of the spinal cord was achieved solely through SAE.
• The patient experienced symptomatic relief following the embolization procedure.
• No surgical intervention was required for spinal decompression.

Conclusions:

• Selective arterial embolization (SAE) can be a successful treatment for spinal cord compression due to aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs).
• SAE offers a less invasive alternative to surgery for spinal ABCs, particularly in cases without spinal deformity or instability.
• This approach may represent a safe and effective treatment option for a specific subset of patients with symptomatic spinal cord compression from ABCs.