Massive enteric necrosis caused by histiocytic sarcoma embolism: a case report

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Gastroenterology
• Pathology

Background:

• Histiocytic sarcoma (HS) is a rare malignancy originating from neoplastic histiocytes.
• This report details an unusual HS presentation involving massive tumor embolism leading to small intestinal necrosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of histiocytic sarcoma causing extensive small bowel necrosis.
• To highlight the clinical presentation and pathological findings of HS-induced enteric necrosis.

Main Methods:

• A case study of a 64-year-old male patient with incidentally detected HS nodules.
• Diagnostic imaging (CT scan) and emergency surgical intervention for suspected small intestinal necrosis.
• Postoperative pathological examination confirming multifocal HS embolism as the cause of necrosis.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with widespread HS nodules and subsequently developed signs of small intestinal necrosis.
• Surgical resection revealed transmural necrosis of the small intestine attributed to multifocal HS embolism.
• The patient's postoperative course was complicated by unsuccessful chemotherapy and mortality within 122 days.

Conclusions:

• Histiocytic sarcoma can manifest with severe gastrointestinal complications, including extensive enteric necrosis via tumor embolism.
• Clinicians must consider HS as a potential cause of intestinal necrosis, particularly in patients with known or suspected HS.