OBJECTIVES

The aim of the current study was to analyse the demographic, clinical and radiological features of primary aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) involving the maxillofacial region.

METHODS

Histologically confirmed cases affecting the maxillofacial region were retrospectively reviewed over a 21-year period (2000-2021). Cases were collected from the archives of five Oral Pathology laboratories from three countries: South Africa, Guatemala and Brazil. The information was analysed, with emphasis on the clinical and radiological spectrum.

RESULTS

Following the inclusion criteria, a total of 31 cases of primary ABCs were included in the study. A nearly equal male-to-female distribution was seen, with ABCs occurring in males at an earlier age compared to females. Localised swelling was the main clinical presentation. ABCs had a mandibular predominance, particularly in the posterior regions. All ABCs presented as blow-out expansile well-demarcated radiolucent lesions with the majority having a multilocular appearance. Cortical expansion was seen in 91% of cases with loss of cortical integrity being common (78%).

CONCLUSION

Primary ABCs involving the maxillofacial region are extremely rare with the majority of current published literature consisting of isolated case reports. The current study is the first large series detailing the radiological features.