MR angiography facilitates the differentiation of aneurysmal from unicameral bone cysts

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this work was to evaluate the incremental value of MR angiography over plain radiographs and MRI for the differentiation of aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) from unicameral bone cysts (UBCs). Methods: Thirty-six juvenile patients with histologically secured primary ABCs or UBCs were included in this retrospective study. Two radiologists assessed all obtained images in a blinded fashion using a catalog of previously suggested imaging findings. A second readout with supplementary MR angiography images was performed after 8 weeks to prevent observer recall bias. Diagnostic accuracy parameters were calculated for individual imaging findings, and overall diagnostic accuracy and diagnostic confidence were assessed for all readouts. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve comparison was used to determine the incremental value of MR angiography. Results: Of 16 imaging features, only abnormal vascularization in MR angiography provided sufficient diagnostic accuracy for the identification of ABCs. Other imaging features such as fluid–fluid levels and internal septations were insufficient for the differentiation of UBCs from ABCs. Availability of MR angiography images significantly increased diagnostic accuracy (94.4 vs 75.0% and 83.3 vs 69.4%, respectively, p < 0.05) and diagnostic confidence (4.5 vs 3.7, p < 0.05) of reading radiologists. Conclusion: The presence of arterial feeders in MR angiography can accurately discriminate primary ABCs from UBCs and increases the diagnostic accuracy and diagnostic confidence of reporting radiologists. Advances in knowledge: Radiographic differentiation of cystic bone lesions such as ABCs and UBCs remains challenging. We demonstrate that MR angiography provides incremental value and suggest inclusion in standard examination protocols.