[Aneurysmal bone cysts of the nasal cavity. Description of a case and review of the literature].

INTRODUCTION

Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) are benign tumor-like lesions of the bone that occur at any age with a slight female predominance. The most common sites are long bones and vertebrae bodies.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

We report a case of 54 year-old man with nasal respiratory difficulty and a previous history of nasal fracture. RMN and TC-scan showed a voluminous nasal lesion, which was surgically removed. Tissue sample was formalin fixed (10%) and routinely processed to paraffin after decalcifying treatment (Osteodec, Bioptica). Section were stained with haematoxilin-eosin.

RESULTS

At histological level the lesion was characterized by multilocular cyst-like spaces filled with erythrocytes separated by connective septa lacking the smooth muscle walls and endothelial lining of normal vessels. Histological features are consistent with a diagnosis of ABC.

DISCUSSION: We report a case of ABC of nasal cavity. The previous history of nasal fracture and the fact that pre-existing or concurrent were not found lead us to suppose a relationship between the fracture and ABC. Teleangiectatic osteosarcoma, fibrous dysplasia and giant-cell tumor were excluded according to clinical and morphological features.