Aneurysmal bone cysts: percutaneous embolization with an alcoholic solution of zein--series of 18 cases.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To assess the efficacy of percutaneous embolization with an alcoholic solution of zein in the treatment of aneurysmal bone cysts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Eighteen patients with aneurysmal bone cysts were treated percutaneously with alcoholic zein. The cysts were in the lower limb (n = 7), upper limb (n = 5), pelvis (n = 3), cervical spine (n = 2), and mandible (n = 1). All patients were symptomatic, three had previously undergone surgery. Percutaneous embolization was performed with fluoroscopic or computed tomographic guidance with the patient under general anesthesia. Clinical and imaging follow-up lasted 18 months to 4 years.

RESULTS:

Percutaneous embolization was performed in 16 cases. In two cases, cystograms showed marked venous drainage and thus embolization was not attempted. Six patients underwent repeat embolization. Complications consisted of a local transitory inflammatory reaction (n = 5), aseptic osteitis (n = 1), and a small pulmonary infarct without sequelae (n = 1). Relief of symptoms was achieved in all patients except one, who underwent surgery. At imaging, improvement was total in 13 cases (87%) and partial in two cases (13%). No recurrence was noted during follow-up.

CONCLUSION:

Percutaneous embolization of aneurysmal bone cysts with alcoholic zein should be considered a reliable alternative to surgery, especially in cases with a difficult surgical approach or cases of postsurgical recurrence.

• Authors: L Guibaud, D Herbreteau, J Dubois, N Stempfle, J Bérard, J P Pracros, J J Merland
• Journal: Radiology (Radiology) Vol. 208 Issue 2 Pg. 369-73 (Aug 1998) ISSN: 0033-8419 [Print] United States
• PMID: 9680561 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Drug Combinations
• Fatty Acids
• Propylene Glycols
• Sclerosing Solutions
• Diatrizoate
• Zein
• alcoholic prolamine solution

Topics

• Adolescent
• Bone Cysts, Aneurysmal (diagnostic imaging, therapy)
• Bone and Bones (diagnostic imaging)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Diatrizoate (therapeutic use)
• Drug Combinations
• Embolization, Therapeutic
• Fatty Acids (therapeutic use)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Male
• Propylene Glycols (therapeutic use)
• Sclerosing Solutions
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed
• Treatment Outcome
• Zein (therapeutic use)