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[A strange case of phlebitis].
S Brassens1, J M Chevalier, M Leblainvaux
1Service de cardiologie, hôpital Robert-Picqué, 351, route de Toulouse, BP 28, 33998 Bordeaux-armées, France. stephane.brassens@wanadoo.fr
Annales De Cardiologie Et D'Angeiologie
|February 3, 2004
Summary
This case report details a rare leg leiomyosarcoma in an elderly man, initially suspected as thrombophlebitis. The advanced tumor had already metastasized to the lungs, highlighting a poor prognosis for peripheral vascular sarcomas.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Vascular Surgery
- Pathology
Background:
- Leiomyosarcoma is a rare malignant mesenchymal tumor originating from smooth muscle.
- Typically found in the uterus or digestive tract, it can also arise in large vessels.
- Peripheral venous leiomyosarcoma is exceptionally rare.
Observation:
- An 81-year-old male presented with symptoms suggestive of thrombophlebitis.
- Imaging, particularly MRI, revealed a leiomyosarcoma of the leg with lung metastases.
- The sarcoma likely originated from the smooth muscle of a peripheral leg vein.
Findings:
- Diagnosis confirmed via immunohistochemistry, following initial imaging suggestions.
- The tumor demonstrated aggressive local proliferation and metastatic potential.
- Metastasis to the lungs was evident at the time of diagnosis.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare vascular tumors in elderly patients with seemingly common vascular conditions.
- Early diagnosis and multimodal treatment (surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy) are crucial, though prognosis remains poor in metastatic cases.
- Highlights the diagnostic challenges and rarity of peripheral venous leiomyosarcoma, contributing to the understanding of soft tissue sarcomas.