Unusual presentation of an aneurysmal bone cyst: A case report and literature review

Abstract

Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) are non-neoplastic primary bone tumors, typically involving the long bones and vertebrae in the first 2 decades of life. ABCs require prompt diagnosis and intervention due to their rapidly expansile nature and ability to destroy the adjacent normal bone. ABCs rarely affect the rib. We report a case of a 51-year-old female presenting with chronic dry cough and right upper back pain. A chest X-ray and computed tomography scan revealed an expansile, lytic mass affecting the posterior aspect of the third right rib. The third right rib was resected using a posterolateral, Shaw-Paulson approach. Histopathology of the resected mass confirmed the diagnosis of ABC. There were no intra- or perioperative complications, and follow-up X-ray was normal.