This disease is a benign bone disorder, where the affected vertebral body exhibits a cystic protrusion filled with blood, hence it is referred to as a "stirred pulse" like bone cyst. This condition rarely occurs in the cervical spine. According to literature, "stirred pulse" tumor-like bone cysts account for about 4% of spinal tumors, with the onset age typically between 10 to 20 years, and no gender difference. The cause of this disease remains unknown to date. Most scholars believe it may be due to persistent local hemodynamic disturbances, leading to extreme elevation of venous pressure causing vascular dilation, which results in the absorption of the affected vertebral bone. This disease occasionally has a tendency to become malignant.

bubble_chart Pathological Changes

The lesion is composed of numerous sponge-like blood cavities of varying sizes, filled with flowing blood, and the cyst wall has a cortical bone as thin as an eggshell. Microscopic findings: The blood cavities are large and thin-walled, constructed of fibroblasts and collagen fibers, with hemosiderin deposition, and the presence of numerous phagocytes and giant cells.

bubble_chart Clinical Manifestations

Early-stage patients only experience localized grade I neck pain, while advanced-stage patients develop corresponding symptoms and signs as the degree of spinal cord compression increases, with severe cases potentially leading to progressive paralysis.

bubble_chart Auxiliary Examination

X-ray findings: The tumor can occur in the vertebral body or its appendages, presenting as an expansile cystic radiolucent shadow with bony walls, which can reach up to about 10 cm in diameter. Within the cyst, faint and coarse trabeculae can be seen. If the vertebral body collapses, it may lose its typical X-ray characteristics. In such cases, attention should be paid to the expansile changes in its appendages, as these can serve as a basis for diagnosis.

Adolescents experiencing cervical discomfort or pain with a prolonged course, and X-ray findings showing bony expansile cystic shadows in the cervical spine, should be considered for a stirred pulse tumor-like bone cyst. It is also important to differentiate this from spinal bone cysts and giant cell tumors of bone.

bubble_chart Treatment Measures

Lesions located in the vertebral appendages are suitable for surgical resection. If the lesion is located in the vertebral body, curettage and bone grafting can be performed. If the vertebral body exhibits pathological fracture, angular deformity, or symptoms of spinal cord compression, subtotal vertebral resection and decompression with bone grafting and fusion should be performed to maintain spinal stability. The prognosis of this disease is generally good.