Aneurysmal bone cyst of the cervicothoracic spine: computed tomographic evaluation of the value of preoperative embolization. Case report.

In this report, the management of an aneurysmal bone cyst in the cervicothoracic region of an 8-year-old girl is described. Aneurysmal bone cyst is a histologically benign lesion that is often extremely vascular. In the spine, it can cause extensive bone destruction and compress neural structures. Because this lesion may involve all parts of a vertebra, full delineation of the lesion before its excision is important in planning the surgical approach. The value of preoperative embolization to reduce tumor vascularity, allowing total excision, and the improved radiological evaluation of this lesion with computed tomographic scanning are demonstrated.