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Neuroradiology

Osteoid osteoma

benign bone tumour, similar to but smaller than osteoblastoma (see osteoblastoma), usually found in children and young adults, with a male: female ratio of 2-4:1. Histologically it is composed of a central core of vascular osteoid tissue and a peripheral rim of osteosclerosis. Approximately 10% of osteoid osteomas are found in the spine, mainly in the neural arch. Pain is the presenting symptom in over 95% of cases, and is characteristically relieved by aspirin.

Radiologically, the classical image of a radiolucent nidus surrounded by a sclerotic rim may be difficult to visualize in the spine on plain films. CT scan better shows the sclerosis surrounding the lytic area in the pedicle, facet or lamina. Sometimes a smaller dense nidus is seen within the lytic lesion. Also, see osteoid osteoma.