Pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma in adults: a case report

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Gastroenterology
• Pathology

Background:

• Pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare soft-tissue sarcoma variant, typically affecting adults over 45.
• This subtype is characterized by early metastasis and can occur in various body tissues, not exclusively skeletal muscle.
• Gastrointestinal involvement is exceptionally rare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of primary pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma in the duodenum.
• To highlight diagnostic challenges and the importance of immunohistochemistry in gastrointestinal sarcomas.
• To emphasize the need for further research into the clinical behavior and management of this rare tumor.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 67-year-old male presenting with epigastric pain and anemia.
• Diagnostic procedures included abdominal imaging and endoscopic biopsy.
• Definitive diagnosis was established post-surgery via comprehensive immunohistochemical analysis.

Main Results:

• A polypoid mass in the duodenum and stomach was identified.
• Initial endoscopic biopsy led to a misdiagnosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumor.
• Final diagnosis confirmed primary pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma of the duodenum.

Conclusions:

• Accurate diagnosis of gastrointestinal pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma is challenging and relies heavily on immunohistochemical analysis.
• This case underscores the rarity of duodenal pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma.
• Further research is crucial for understanding and managing primary gastrointestinal pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma.