CD31 staining in epithelioid sarcoma

We report an unusual case of epithelioid sarcoma. The tumour occurred in the finger of a 27-year-old female. The clinical history, histology and the electron microscopy of the lesion were typical for epithelioid sarcoma. However, immunohistochemical analysis showed strong membranous CD31 staining, a finding hitherto not described. All other robust vascular markers, including factor-VIII-related antigen (FVIIIrag) were negative. The findings were compared with the available literature data, leading us to conclude that there is insufficient evidence for endothelial derivation of epithelioid sarcoma, but in the differential diagnosis with vascular tumours CD31 may stain and to rule out angiosarcoma FVIIIrag is a useful antibody.