VERTEBRAL PNEUMATOCYST - A CASE-REPORT

Study Design. This study illustrates intraosseous pneumatocyst of the vertebral body, a benign lesion. Objectives. To review the incidence a nd location of this benign lesion during a 1-year period. Summary of B ackground Data. Intraosseous pneumatocyst is a rare benign condition, commonly seen in iliac bone or sacrum. The etiology of this entity is unclear. Other locations of these lesions are very rare, and only a fe w isolated cases are reported in the literature. Methods. In the last year (1994-1995), vertebral pneumatocyst was incidentally found in fou r patients who underwent computed tomography examination for presumpti ve discal lesion. Axial Computed tomography with 2- and 4-mm slice thi ckness was performed. Results. The typical computed. tomography patter ns of intraosseous pneumatocyst involving the cervical, dorsal, or lum bar spine were found. The bony structure and joints were normal. To th e best of our knowledge, intraosseous pneumatocyst located in the spin al process has not been reported. Conclusions. Intraosseous pneumatocy st is a benign lesion. Biopsy and follow-up are unnecessary.