aneurysmal bone cyst
Pronunciation: AN-yur-iz-mal
Also written as: ABC — aneurysmal bone cyst
A benign expansile bone lesion characterized by blood-filled spaces and reactive bone formation.
Full Definition
Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a benign but locally aggressive bone lesion composed of blood-filled cavities separated by fibrous septae containing reactive bone and cartilage. Despite its name, it is neither aneurysmal nor cystic, but rather a reactive process that may arise primarily or secondary to other bone lesions. ABCs typically occur in the first two decades of life and commonly affect the metaphyses of long bones and posterior elements of vertebrae. The lesion presents as an expansile, multiloculated mass with characteristic fluid-fluid levels on MRI.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as ABC; distinguish from simple bone cyst which lacks expansile features.
In Context
- "MRI revealed fluid-fluid levels consistent with aneurysmal bone cyst in the proximal tibia." — Imaging report
- "Curettage and bone grafting was performed for the aneurysmal bone cyst." — Operative note