Brain metastasis from gastrointestinal clear cell sarcoma

Clear cell sarcoma (CCS) of the gastrointestinal tract presents a diagnostic challenge to the pathologist due to its morphological and immunohistochemical similarity to melanoma. It usually metastasizes to regional lymph nodes, liver, and lungs. Herein, we report the first known metastasis of a gastrointestinal CCS to the central nervous system. Cytogenetic testing showed the t(12,22) translocation corresponding to the presence of the EWS/ATF1 hybrid consistent with CCS. The literature that compares melanoma to CCS is reviewed in the context of this rare presentation to differentiate between the two diseases.
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