Abstract
Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) are noncancerous growths that often develop in the metaphyseal
region of long tubular bones. As a whole, ABCs consist of cystic cavities containing
blood and hemosiderin enclosed in a subperiosteal shell of reactive bone with septae
but not endothelium. Though nonmalignant, ABCs can grow aggressively and be locally
destructive, leading to pathologic fractures. Early intervention with surgery is preferred
to avoid pathological fractures. Radiotherapy must be considered in inoperable and
recurrent cases. ABCs are more common in pediatric patients and cause more complications
if the growth plate is involved. ABCs in the temporal bone are a rare occurrence.
We report a case of ABC of the right petrous part of the temporal bone in a 38-year-old
female patient who presented clinically with headache, facial nerve palsy, and same-sided
sensorineural hearing loss. Noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) scan showed a sharply
marginated, smooth hyperdense lytic expansile lesion involving the right petrous bone.
Magnetic resonance imaging findings corroborated with the NCCT findings. Surgical
resection was performed. External beam radiotherapy was delivered to treat the residual
tumor at a dose of 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions by intensity modulated radiation therapy
technique over 5 weeks, and the patient was symptom-free on follow-up. This underscores
the importance of managing ABCs, particularly those involving craniofacial bones,
with surgery followed by radiation therapy for better treatment outcomes and patient
survival.
Keywords
aneurysmal bone cyst - temporal bone - case report
