"Bubble-like" lung metastases in osteosarcoma patients.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiology
• Pathology

Background:

• Pulmonary metastases are a common complication of osteosarcoma.
• Cavitation within pulmonary metastases has been previously described.
• The timing and significance of cavitation as an early sign require further investigation.

Observation:

• Two patients with osteosarcoma presented with pulmonary "bubble-like" cavitation.
• These radiological findings appeared 20-45 months after the completion of chemotherapy.
• In one case, the cavitation evolved into a solid nodule.

Findings:

• Histological examination confirmed viable osteosarcoma metastases in both patients following surgical resection.
• The "bubble-like" cavitation represented the initial radiological sign of pulmonary metastatic disease in both cases.

Implications:

• "Bubble-like" cavitation in the lung parenchyma may serve as an early diagnostic marker for pulmonary osteosarcoma metastases.
• This finding necessitates careful follow-up and consideration of metastatic disease in patients with a history of osteosarcoma.
• Further research is warranted to understand the pathogenesis and prognostic implications of this radiological sign.