Case Report: 14 Years-Old Boy with Paraplegia and Aneurysmal Bone Cysts of Neck who Responded to Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment

Abstract

This article discusses a rare case of Aneurysmal Bone Cyst (ABC) affecting the cervical spine, presenting with neck pain and progressive weakness in all extremities. A 14-year-old boy experienced these symptoms for three years without any history of trauma. Physical examination revealed weakness and tenderness in the cervical vertebrae. MRI showed cervical compression, paravertebral abscess, spinal nerve swelling, and canal stenosis, suggestive of tuberculosis spondylitis. The surgical intervention involved laminectomy and tumor debulking, confirming the diagnosis of a aneurysmal bone cyst. Despite initial motor deficits, anti-tuberculosis treatment significantly improves motor function and neck mobility over several weeks. This case underscores the rarity of cervical spine involvement in aneurysmal bone cyst and highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent neurological complications and achieve favorable outcomes. The study emphasizes considering aneurysmal bone cyst as a potential differential diagnosis for lytic lesions involving the spine in young patients, emphasizing the need for vigilance in clinical practice.