Ultrasound Features of Intraosseous Giant Cell Angioblastoma of the Distal Femur in a Child
Zhuoran Wang, Yaru Zhu, Mengyu Tian, Hongyu Yang, Tao ChenABSTRACT
Background
Giant cell angioblastoma (GCAB) is an extremely rare congenital vascular tumor with intermediate biological behavior, predominantly occurring in the soft tissues of the extremities in infants and young children. Intraosseous GCAB originating in the intramedullary cavity and extending to periarticular soft tissues is exceptionally uncommon.
Case Presentation
A 5‐year‐old boy presented with left knee pain and mild functional limitation. Musculoskeletal ultrasound revealed local cortical disruption at the metaphyseal region of the distal left femur, periarticular soft tissue swelling, and a cluster of tortuous, dilated, compressible tubular anechoic structures displaying a “worm‐like” appearance, with abundant low‐resistance arterial flow. The diagnosis of GCAB was confirmed by ultrasound‐guided core needle biopsy combined with pathological and immunohistochemical examinations. Conservative treatment with regular follow‐up was adopted.
Conclusions
Musculoskeletal US can clearly depict the characteristic imaging features of intraosseous GCAB, including cortical destruction and distinctive vascular lacunae, and US‐guided biopsy is essential for preoperative definitive diagnosis. This case highlights the value of US in the evaluation of rare bone tumors and underscores the importance of sonographic recognition to guide appropriate management.