Clinicoradiological spectrum of primary aneurysmal bone cysts of the maxillofacial region: A series of 31 cases

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the current study was to analyse the demographic, clinical and radiological features of primary aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) involving the maxillofacial region. Methods: Histologically confirmed cases affecting the maxillofacial region were retrospectively reviewed over a 21-year period (2000–2021). Cases were collected from the archives of five Oral Pathology laboratories from three countries: South Africa, Guatemala and Brazil. The information was analysed, with emphasis on the clinical and radiological spectrum. Results: Following the inclusion criteria, a total of 31 cases of primary ABCs were included in the study. A nearly equal male-to-female distribution was seen, with ABCs occurring in males at an earlier age compared to females. Localised swelling was the main clinical presentation. ABCs had a mandibular predominance, particularly in the posterior regions. All ABCs presented as blow-out expansile well-demarcated radiolucent lesions with the majority having a multilocular appearance. Cortical expansion was seen in 91% of cases with loss of cortical integrity being common (78%). Conclusion: Primary ABCs involving the maxillofacial region are extremely rare with the majority of current published literature consisting of isolated case reports.