Aneurysmal bone cysts in gnathic bones: clinicopathological profile through a multicenter study and literature review

Abstract

Objective To analyze the clinicopathological profile of aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) in gnathic bones in a Brazilian population through a multicenter study and literature review. Study Design A retrospective study across six Brazilian centers for oral and maxillofacial pathology collected data on sex, age, pain, location, radiographic features, and associated lesions. A literature review was performed using four databases. Results Among 55,068 biopsies of oral and maxillofacial lesions, 26 cases were diagnosed as ABCs. Most patients were females, with a mean age of 24.7 years. The mandible was the most affected site, and pain was absent in 76.9% of cases. A multilocular radiographic pattern with bone expansion was observed in 76.92% of cases. It was associated with ossifying fibroma and fibrous dysplasia in 11.54% and 3.85% of cases. The review included 35 articles and 59 cases, with 52.54% female patients, a mean age of 18.8 years, and mandibular involvement in 76.27%. Multilocularity with expansion occurred in 61.02%, and pain in 61.02%. Conclusions This multicenter study provides the first epidemiological estimate of gnathic ABCs (0.047%) and suggests a female and young adult predominance.