Infantile sarcoma with intracytoplasmic filamentous inclusions: distinctive tumor of possible histiocytic origin

This report describes four malignant tumors originating in infants, (one present at birth), for which a common origin is proposed. The common nature of these tumors was suggested by a remarkable similarity of histologic and ultrastructural features, including the presence of intracellular filamentous aggregates, as well as a shared aggressive clinical course consistent with sarcomatous origin. Two of these neoplasms arose within the kidney and were classified as "rhabdoid" sarcomas, according to the NWTS nomenclature. However, cells from these neoplasms could not be identified as muscular in origin. In culture, these cells demonstrated adherence to substratum, ability to phagocytose particles, and cell surface complement receptors. In addition, the renal tumors contained definite tumor cells positive for muramidase; the liver primary tumor contained only a limited number of such cells, which could not be interpreted as neoplastic. These findings suggest that among the "round-cell sarcomas" of infants and young children, a distinct, highly malignant form may be identified on clinical and morphologic grounds. The possibility that the tumor cells may be linked to the mononuclear phagocyte system was suggested, but not proved, and deserves further study.