Total management of hemangiopericytoma/solitary fibrous tumor of the buttock: A case report

BACKGROUND

Solitary fibrous tumors can manifest at various anatomical sites, predominantly occurring at extrapleural sites with a peak incidence between 40 and 70 years. SFT necessitates long-term follow-up owing to its tumor characteristics. However, comprehensive reports covering the period from initial diagnosis to the patient's demise are lacking. Herein, we present a case of a malignant SFT of the buttocks that was treated at our hospital from the time of initial diagnosis to the end of life, with a literature review.

METHODS

A 54-year-old woman had a T1 low-to-isobaric and T2 isobaric-to-hyperintense mass in the psoas muscle on magnetic resonance imaging, diagnosed as an SFT. Wide excision was performed, followed by postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Multiple lung metastases were treated, while bone metastases appeared in the left femur. Multiple spinal metastases developed, causing respiratory distress due to pleural effusion. Best support care was initiated; however, a thrombus appeared in the inferior vena cava. Despite anticoagulant therapy, the patient died 11 years and 6 months after the initial surgery. Herein, marginal resection resulted in a relatively short operative time and average blood loss. The radiotherapy dose was 66 Gy; no complications occurred, and local recurrence was prevented. Tumor arthroplasty was performed to stabilize the affected limbs, and the patient required careful follow-up.

RESULTS

Despite the poor prognosis, the patient survived >11 years after surgery and had a favorable outcome.

CONCLUSION

Long-term monitoring for potential complications remains necessary.

Immunotherapy for Solitary Fibrous Tumor (Hemangiopericytoma): A Unique Treatment Approach for a Rare Central Nervous System Tumor

INTRODUCTION

Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) of the central nervous system represent a unique entity with limited data on best treatment practices.

CASE REPORT

Here, we present a case of multiply recurrent central nervous system SFT treated with radiation and immunotherapy. Immunotherapy was chosen based on mutations of genes encoding DNA repair enzymes detected through next-generation sequencing of the tumor, DNA polymerase epsilon catalytic subunit ( POLE ) and mutL homolog 1. The use of radiation and immunotherapy led to slight shrinkage and no recurrence of the tumor for over 2 years.

CONCLUSION

The presence of somatic DNA repair enzyme gene mutations in SFT may suggest a benefit from a combination of radiotherapy and immunotherapy. This may serve as a biomarker for guiding management in patients with this rare tumor.

Hemangiopericytoma of the skull base: A long-term complete response with trimodality treatment

Hemangiopericytoma (HPC) is a rare tumor originating from Zimmerman pericytes. It constitutes less than 1% of all intracranial tumors. Because of the high recurrence rates, radiotherapy (RT) is a vital step in the treatment, but the timing and dose remain uncertain. We presented a 39-year-old patient with a high-grade hemangiopericytoma located at the skull base. The patient presented with a severe headache. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a mass of size of 60 × 50 mm. A subtotal resection was performed that confirmed the diagnosis of HPC. The patient received 66 Gy postoperative RT. Adjuvant sunitinib treatment was initiated after RT. The complete regression was achieved in the third month after RT. The patient has a complete response for 25 months. To our knowledge, this case is one of the rare cases in the literature in which immediate RT and adjuvant chemotherapy were used in combination with surgery. Although HPC is a radio- and chemo-resistant disease, a trimodality treatment approach can provide the patients with a complete response. In particular, patients with high-grade and inoperable tumors and patients who undergo subtotal resection should be evaluated for trimodal therapy.

Prognostic Factors of Survival for Grade 3 Solitary Fibrous Tumor/Hemangiopericytoma: A Population-Based Retrospective Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Database Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Grade 3 solitary fibrous tumor, previously known as anaplastic hemangiopericytoma, is a rare and highly malignant intracranial tumor with a limited understanding of its natural history and treatment outcomes.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database spanning 2000-2019 to evaluate the clinical characteristics and treatment modalities that influence overall survival in this tumor entity. A cohort of 249 patients with intracranial grade 3 solitary fibrous tumors was identified. Univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were employed to determine significant prognostic factors for overall survival. Kaplan-Meier models were used to visualize survival curves, and a nomogram was constructed to predict survival probabilities at 6- and 12-month following diagnosis.

RESULTS

Our findings indicated that patient age (<65 years), localized or regional disease burden, surgical resection, and radiation therapy were significant predictors of better overall survival. Combination therapies showed improved survival, with surgery and radiation therapy having the most significant impact. However, chemotherapy alone or in combination did not demonstrate a significant survival benefit, likely due to the limited sample size. The nomogram provided personalized prognostic predictions based on significant clinical factors.

CONCLUSIONS

These data emphasize the importance of surgical resection and radiation therapy in the management of grade 3 solitary fibrous tumors, supporting the use of combination therapies to improve overall survival in this rare and aggressive intracranial neoplasm.

Intracranial solitary fibrous tumor/hemangiopericytoma: tumor reclassification and assessment of treatment outcome via the 2016 WHO classification

PURPOSE

As per the 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on the classification of central nervous system tumors, solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) and hemangiopericytomas (HPCs) constitute a single disease entity, known as SFT/HPC. This study provides a clinical analysis of these tumors and describes the treatment outcomes of SFT/HPCs.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 76 patients with histopathologically proven SFT/HPC. Reclassification according to the 2016 WHO guideline was done for patients who were diagnosed with SFT or HPC based on the 2007 WHO classification. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated for all patients and subgroups.

RESULTS

The median follow-up period was 77.9 months. The median RFS and OS were 126.5 and 136.8 months, respectively. The 1-, 5-, 10-, and 15-year RFS rates were 93%, 72%, 40%, and 40%, respectively. The 1-, 5-, 10- and 15-year OS rates were 97%, 89%, 54%, and 35%, respectively. In multivariable analyses, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS; p = 0.009, hazard ratio [HR] 6.986), female sex (p = 0.023, HR 1.76), and age over 45 (p = 0.037, HR 2.74) were associated with shorter RFS. Patients who underwent SRS as initial treatment had a shorter OS than that of patients who underwent primary resection (p < 0.001, HR 12.86).

CONCLUSIONS

High-grade tumors tended to have worse OS and occur extracranial metastases earlier than low-grade tumors. The median RFS was not different between grade II and III tumors. Male sex, younger age, and GTR were associated with a better RFS. A history of SRS before tumor resection was associated with a shorter RFS and OS.

Diagnosis and treatment of solitary fibrous tumor/hemangiopericytoma of central nervous system. Retrospective report of 17 patients and literature review

To investigate the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of solitary fibrous tumor (SFT)/ hemangiopericytoma (HPC) of central nervous system (CNS), we retrospectively reviewed records of 17 patients who were treated for CNS SFT/HPC at the Department of Neurosurgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University from December 2010 to June 2016, and reevaluated their pathological diagnoses according to the 2016 WHO classification of CNS tumors. We then analyzed their clinical symptoms, imaging characteristics, treatments and outcomes. Clinical manifestations of CNS SFT/HPC were diverse, but mainly included headache, increased intracranial pressure, seizures, and focal neurological deficits. In MRI, CNS SFT/HPC usually shows heterogeneous signals, and unusual enhancements; we saw lobulated shapes in 13 patients and necrotic or cystic changes in 12 patients. Tumors of all 17 patients were resected surgically; 9 patients also received postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy. Mean follow-up time was 21 months (range: 2-67 months). The 17 surgeries included 11 total resections, 4 subtotal resection, and 2 partial resections. We followed up 12 patients; 9 of the patients who received total resections had no disease progression; among the 6 patients who did not receive total resections, 2 died of tumor recurrence, 1 has not shown any disease progression. Thus, extent of resection has an apparently crucial influence on prognosis. Postoperative radiotherapy should be chosen carefully, based on resection extent and pathologic grade.

Recurrent Intracranial Hemangiopericytoma with Extracranial and Unusual Multiple Metastases: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Hemangiopericytoma is a rare tumor with uncommon location in the central nervous system. It has only recently been included (WHO classification 1993) in a specific group of CNS tumors and subsequently (WHO classification 1997 and 2000) as a group by itself, while before it was confused with meningeal tumors. We report on a case of a 48-year-old woman affected by this tumor. The neoplasm was located in the posterior fossa. The patient underwent primary surgery in 1990, not followed by any adjuvant therapy because of the histopathological diagnosis of meningioma. After being free from disease for eight years she developed a local recurrence in 1998. Subtotal excision of the tumor, which was finally identified as a hemangiopericytoma, was carried out, followed by adjuvant radiotherapy (64 Gy). After six months multiple metastases were found in the liver and right kidney. A radical metastasectomy was performed, followed by systemic chemotherapy. One year later (2001) the tumor recurred again intracranially and a metastases was detected in the right breast, so the patient again underwent cranial irradiation (40 Gy) and second-line chemotherapy. She died in September 2002, 12 years after the diagnosis. We may conclude that, despite the tumor's natural tendency to recur several times and the ability of intracranial hemangiopericytoma to spread outside the CNS, it is possible to ensure a long survival time.

Recent Experience in the Management of Meningeal Hemangiopericytomas

Although the histogenesis of meningeal hemangiopericytomas (HMP) remains controversial, both biological and clinical evidence seems to identify these neoplasms as a separate entity with respect to meningiomas. In order to assess the current prognosis of HMP we reviewed our personal experience limited to the last decade (1986-1995): during this period 7 patients (4M, 3F) were treated by surgery alone or surgery combined with postoperative radiotherapy. In spite of meticulous attempts at radical resection, the tumors recurred in all but two cases with a mean interval of 85 months, and a total of 18 operations were performed (2.57/patient; range 1-4). Massive intratumoral hemorrhage determined acute deterioration and required emergency surgery in two cases while in one patient diffuse visceral metastases were discovered at autopsy. Five patients are still alive at follow-up but only 2 of them are in good neurological conditions and without evidence of disease. These results are similar to those reported in other series. In view of our results we conclude that intracranial hemangiopericytomas still have a dismal prognosis. Advances in neuroimaging, neuroanesthesia, microneurosurgery and adjuvant therapy do not seem to have significantly affected the recurrence rate, quality of life and mortality.

Intraventricular Hemangiopericytoma: A Case Report and Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Hemangiopericytomas are rare intracranial neoplasms that generally occur in the fifth decade of life and are commonly dural-based, supratentorial tumors. They are classified as World Health Organization grade II or III because of their aggressive nature with high rates of local recurrence and distant metastasis. This case is of an intraventricular hemangiopericytoma in a 23-year-old man. Intraventricular locations are rare, with only 10 cases reported in the literature. Our patient is the youngest to be diagnosed with an intraventricular hemangiopericytoma outside a pediatric case discovered at autopsy.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

A 23-year-old man with a left intraventricular hemangiopericytoma presenting with headache, word-finding difficulties, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and right-sided weakness and numbness. Using a left superior parietal lobule approach, a piecemeal resection was completed, achieving radiographic gross total resection. Pathology was consistent with a hemangiopericytoma. He was treated adjunctively with 60 Gy of local radiation. At 6-month follow-up, the patient had resolution of his aphasia and improvement in his headaches, with no signs of recurrence or metastasis on imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

Standard treatment for central nervous system hemangiopericytoma includes aggressive surgical resection. The role of adjuvant radiation is less well defined but is commonly pursued postoperatively. Regardless of extent of resection or adjuvant treatment, close follow-up to evaluate for evidence of local recurrence and distant metastasis is essential.

Metastatic Hemangiopericytoma Presenting as an Epidural Spinal Cord Lesion

Objective:

Hemangiopericytoma is an aggressive vascular tumour that rarely affects the central nervous system and is even more rarely spinal in presentation. The clinical features of a patient with a recurrent extraspinal hemangiopericytoma presenting with an epidural spinal cord compression by local invasion are described, including a review of the literature on metastatic hemangiopericytoma to the spine.

Methods:

A case of a 53-year-old male, with a recurrent extraspinal hemangiopericytoma which metastasized to the thoracic spine five years after detection of the primary tumour is presented. A chart review was conducted where all pertinent history, physical, laboratory, and radiological data were collected. A Pub-Med search using the keyword “hemangiopericytoma” identified all reported cases documenting clinical features, treatment, recurrence and outcome with respect to metastatic hemangiopericytoma to the spine.

Results:

Nine patients have been reported to have metastatic hemangiopericytoma to the spine. The median patient age was 47 years and there was a slight male preference. An unusual feature of the hemangiopericytoma is the prolonged period, up to 16 years, between the diagnosis of the primary hemangiopericytoma and the metastases to the spine. All patients were treated with a combination of radiation and surgery.

Conclusion:

Hemangiopericytomas show a slow clinical evolution with a strong propensity to relapse long after previous treatment and thus, once identified, prolonged follow-up for recurrence is indicated. A close follow-up of these patients is required because of frequent recurrences and delayed metastases even if the primary lesion was well-controlled. Although overall uncommon, hemangiopericytoma should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of vascular epidural spinal cord tumours.

[Treatment outcome and prognosis of head and neck hemangiopericytoma]

OBJECTIVE

Aim of the study is to report the unique clinicopathologic feature, treatment outcome and prognostic factors of head and neck hemangiopericytoma (HNHPC).

METHOD

A retrospective data collection of reported HNHPC cases, in which therapy, follow-up and outcome data were available, was performed from the electronic database of PubMed, Embase, Google scholar, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan Fang and Wei Pu until on December 31, 2013.

RESULT

A total of 213 HNHPC cases were identified from 122 peer-reviewed articles. The recurrence rate was 24.4% (51/209). The positive surgical margin (OR= 3. 977, P<0. 01) and poor pathologic differentiation (OR=l. 890, P<0. 01) were associated with increased local recurrence. The metastasis rate was 15.8% (22/139). The positive surgical margin (OR=13. 833, P<0. 01), poor pathologic differentiation (OR=4. 661, P<0. 01) and non-surgical treatment (OR=2. 000, P<0. 01) were associated with increased distant metastasis. The mortality rate was 15. 0% (32/213). The tumor size >5. 0 cm in diameter (OR= 2. 860, P<0. 05), positive surgical margin (OR=9. 833, P<0. 01), poor pathologic differentiation (OR=4. 061, P<0. 01) and non-surgical treatment (OR=2. 032, P<0. 01) were associated with worse mortality. The treatment included surgery alone 139 cases, multiple treatments 64 cases and non-surgical treatment 10 cases. The overall survival (OS) of the 213 cases was 85%, and the 3-year, 5-year and 10-year OS were 86%, 78% and 74%, respectively. The 3-year, 5-year and 10-year OS for surgery alone were 95%, 88% and 84%, respectively. The 3- year, 5-year and 10-year OS for surgery plus radiotherapy were 90%, 80% and 80%, respectively. The 3-year, 5- year and 10-year OS for surgery plus chemotherapy were 75%, 25% and 25%, respectively. The 3-year, 5-year and 10-year OS for surgery plus radio-chemotherapy were 67%, 58% and 46%, respectively. There were signifi- cant survival difference in recurrence-free survival (RFS), metastasis free survival (MFS) and OS depending on surgical margins (P<0. 01). RFS, MFS and OS difference were identified depending on pathologic differentiation (P<0. 01). MFS and OS differences were observed on the different treatment modality (P<0. 01). OS differences was observed on the different tumor sizes (P<0. 05). Positive surgical margins was correlated with disease recurrence (HR= 3. 680, P<0.01), while poor pathologic differentiation was correlated with metastasis and death (HR=2. 619, P<0. 05 and HR=3. 188, P<0. 05). The tumor size >5. 0 cm in diameter and non-surgical treatment was correlated with death (HR= 5. 461, P<0. 01 and HR= 8. 563, P<0. 01, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The surgical resection was the mainstream treatment and it was superior to multiple treatments. The tumor size, surgical margins, pathological differentiation and non-surgical treatment were independent prognostic factors.

[Clinical analysis of sinonasal hemangiopericytoma]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical features, therapeutic methods and therapeutic effects of sinonasal hemangiopericytoma.

METHODS

Clinical data of 6 patients with sinonasal hemangiopericytoma, diagnosed by pathology and immunohistochemistry between January 1990 and December 2012 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 4 males and 2 females, with a median age of 58 years. Clinical manifestation included epistaxis and nasal obstruction. These patients were operated on by nasal endoscopic surgery or endoscope-assisted surgery, of which 2 cases of tumor located in the nasal cavity underwent nasal endoscopic surgery and 4 cases of tumor located in the nasal cavity and sinuses underwent endoscope-assisted surgery.

RESULTS

All the patients were followed up for a period of 6 months to 7 years after operation. Two cases recurred and 4 cases didn't recurred. One case recurred 6 months after operation and underwent second operation, with no recurrence by further one year follow-up. Another case recurred 17 months after operation and underwent second operation, with recurrence by further 9 months follow-up. This patient lived with tumor over two years.

CONCLUSIONS

Hemangiopericytomas are rarely found in the sinonasal cavity. Nasal endoscopic or endoscope-assisted surgery provides satisfactory effect.

Efficacy of erlotinib in patients with relapsed gliobastoma multiforme who expressed EGFRVIII and PTEN determined by immunohistochemistry

Epidermal growth factor receptor gene (EGFR) alteration is a common feature in most of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Robust response of anti-EGFR treatments has been mostly associated with the EGFR deletion mutant variant III (EGFRvIII) and expression of PTEN. We have performed a prospective trial in order to confirm the efficacy of erlotinib treatment in patients with relapsed GBM who expressed EGFRvIII and PTEN. All patients included in the trial were required to be PTEN (+++), EGFR (+++) and EGFRvIII (+++) positives by immunohistochemistry. This new phase II trial enrolled 40 patients and was design to be stopped in case of fewer than two responses in the first 13 patients. Patient eligibility included histopathology criteria, radiological progression, more than 18 years old, Karnofsky performed status, KPS > 50, and adequate bone marrow and organ function. There was no limit to the number of prior treatments for relapses. No enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs were allowed. The primary endpoints were response and progression-free survival at 6 months (PFS6). Thirteen patients (6 men, 7 women) with recurrent GBM received erlotinib 150 mg/day. Median age was 53 years, median KPS was 80, and median prior treatments for relapses were 2. There was one partial response and three stable diseases (one at 18 months). PFS at 6 months was 20 %. Dose reduction for toxicity was not needed in any patient. Dermatitis was the main treatment-related toxicity, grade 1 in 8 patients and grade 2 in 5 patients. No grade 3 toxicity was observed. Median survival was 7 months (95 % IC 1.41–4.7). As conclusion, monotherapy with erlotinib in GBM relapses patients with high protein expression for PTEN (+++), EGFR (+++), and EGFRvlII (+++) showed low toxicity but minimal efficacy and the trial stopped.

[Diagnosis and treatment of primary mediastinal angiosarcoma]

The results of treatment of 23 patients, suffering primary angiosarcoma (AS), and 7--having mediastinal hemangiopericytoma, were analyzed. Primary mediastinal AS constitutes a quite rare tumor, for its recognition it is necessary to do differential diagnosis from tumors with possible localization in anterior mediastinum. AS differs by more aggressive course and, accordingly, by poorer results of treatment and poorer prognosis as well. Surgical treatment was conducted in 15 patients, including radical operations in 13 (in 7--for AS, in 6--hemangiopericytoma), the combined--in 4. The total survival indices during 3 - 5 yrs after radical operations for AS have had constituted, accordingly, 57.1 and 28.6%, and of recurrence-free survival--42.8 and 28.6%. Chemotherapy as a single method of treatment was conducted in 11 patients, radiation therapy--4. The total survival indices in 3 and 5 yrs follow-up have had constituted 26.6 and 7.1%. Application of taxans in the treatment of AS permits to achieve better results. Radiation therapy is applied in a chemotherapy resistant and recurrent tumors. Surgery constitutes the main method of treatment of mediastinal AS. The standard schemes of chemotherapy are lacking efficacy, the taxans are characterized by higher antitumoral activity.

Hemangiopericytoma of the adult male breast

Hemangiopericytoma (HPC) is a rare tumor originated from the vascular pericytes, and it is uncommon in the breast. Only 2 cases of HPC in the male breast have been reported in the literature. This report presents a case of a 24-year-old man with a mass in his right breast. Under local anesthesia, the tumor was excised and diagnosed as `malignant tumor of the breast, perhaps originated from the vessel tissues` based on pathological examination. Finally, a modified radical mastectomy and an axilla fossa sampling were performed, and 4 lymph nodes showed symptoms of reactive hyperplasia. We followed the patient without any treatment and no local recurrence or metastasis has been observed. We also review the literature and discuss the characteristics, immuno-phenotype, and prognosis of HPC. The accurate diagnosis of HPC depends on the appropriate histological and immunohistochemical examination.

Hemangiopericytoma of the maxilla in a pediatric patient: a case report

The hemangiopericytoma is a malignant vascular tumor arising from mesenchymal cells with pericytic differentiation. Hemangiopericytoma is most commonly seen in adults, and only 5% to 10% of cases occur in children. The tumor is extremely rare in the head and neck region (16%). Cytogenic abnormalities have been present in some hemangiopericytoma cases. Surgical resection remains the mainstay treatment. Adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy is appropriate for cases of incomplete resections and life-threatening tumors particularly in children. Late relapses may occur and require long-term follow-up. A 4-year-old child patient with hemangiopericytoma of the maxilla presented with firm, recurrent, but painless jaw mass. Radiographic investigations revealed a poorly circumscribed radiolucency. The lesion biopsy showed wellcircumscribed multiple lobules of tumor mass consisting of tightly packed, spindleshaped cells. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy of the lesion was conducted. The role of the pediatric dental team is extensive in children with hemangiopericytoma, who require a regular dental review. The patient's oncologist should be immediately contacted if there is any suspicion of recurrence.

[Prenatal diagnosis of retroperitoneal neuroblastoma. Case report]

Neuroblastoma is the foremost malignant neoplasm of the fetus and neonate. It is a tumor of the sympathetic nervous system that originates from the neural crest which etiology is largely unknown. Due to its general variability in outcome, neuroblastoma has long been considered one of the most enigmatic of cancers. Although technological advances in ultrasonography have possible intrauterine detection, prenatal diagnosis is still a rare event. This kind of tumor has a high morbidity and mortality rate due to the metastatic risk. Early detection of the tumor is critical to improve outcome. We report a case of retroperitoneal neuroblastoma diagnosed at 32 week of gestation.

Suprasellar haemangiopericytoma--challenges in diagnosis and treatment

Haemangiopericytomas of central nervous system (CNS) were first defined as a separate entity in 1942. Previously they were either considered to be a histological variant of an angioblastic meningioma or a distinctive mesenchymal neoplasm. Most commonly they are located in parasagittal and falcine region. Tumours in the sellar/parasellar location are very rare and commonly escape diagnosis before operation. They are characterised by high vascularity, a high rate of local recurrence and extraneuronal metastasis. We report a 35-year-old man with a suprasellar hemangiopericytoma who presented with bilateral diminution of vision in both eyes and frontal headache. Six months after the first operation, he developed a large local recurrence. He again underwent tumour decompression followed by postoperative conformal radiotherapy and is currently asymptomatic and stable clinically and radiologically. The various differential diagnoses, the importance of a preoperative suspicion of this diagnosis and management are issues discussed in this illustrated review.

Metastatic hemangiopericytoma to the cauda equina: a case report

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Hemangiopericytoma is an aggressive tumor associated with high recurrence and metastasis. Metastases are usually delayed, long after diagnosis of the primary lesion. Metastatic hemangiopericytoma to the spinal cord is especially rare.

PURPOSE

To report a rare clinical presentation of a metastatic intradural, intramedullary hemangiopericytoma to the cauda equina from a cerebellar hemangiopericytoma.

STUDY DESIGN

Case report with a review of the literature.

METHODS

Clinical history, physical findings, and magnetic resonance imaging studies of a patient with a metastatic intradural, intramedullary hemangiopericytoma to the cauda equina are reported.

RESULTS

A case report is presented of a female with an intradural, intramedullary lesion at the L4-S1 level, presenting initially with progressive pain and motor weakness affecting the left lower extremity. She had a history of a cerebellar hemangiopericytoma, which had been treated with total resection and radiotherapy 4 years earlier. This patient developed urinary urgency and frequency. Pathological analysis revealed a hemangiopericytoma, which had a similar character to a cerebellar lesion. After radiotherapy, the tumor was mostly diminished and her symptoms totally resolved.

CONCLUSIONS

Hemangiopericytomas have a strong tendency to both local recurrence and metastasis. Common metastatic sites are the skeletal system, lung, liver, and abdominal cavity. To the authors' knowledge, there have been no reports of spinal intradural, intramedullary metastasis of hemangiopericytoma.

Clinical and pathological characteristics of primary intraspinal hemangiopericytoma and choice of treatment

BACKGROUND

Primary intraspinal hemangiopericytoma is a rare malignant mesenchymal tumor with high rates of recurrence and metastasis. Surgery is the main therapeutic procedure for this lesion. This clinical research was undertaken to analyze the pathological characteristics, clinical course, and the choice of treatment for this lesion.

METHODS

Twenty-three patients with primary intraspinal hemangiopericytomas were treated from 1987 to 2004. The clinical and imaging features, pathological findings, therapeutic procedures, and prognosis were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Primary intraspinal hemangiopericytoma is more likely to attack middle-aged persons. The tumor mainly manifests as muscle weakness and sensor abnormalities. Microscopic examination showed slit-like vascular spaces and oral- or spindle-shaped cells with slightly acidic cytoplasm and oral nuclei. Tumors were subtotally resected in 11 patients, subtotally resected with postoperative radiotherapy in 4, totally resected in 5, and totally resected with postoperative radiotherapy in 3. Two patients were given spinal stabilization after total resection. Recurrence and metastatic rates were 50% and 0 in intradural patients. They were 73% and 27% in extradural patients, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The tumor should be resected en bloc with the neighboring dural mater to reduce recurrence and metastasis. Patients with subtotal resection need adjuvant radiotherapy. Patients with evident spinal involvement may benefit from spinal stabilization. The prognosis of the lesion arising from the dural mater is better.

Spinal metastasis from cranial meningeal hemangiopericytomas

Spine metastasis from cranial meningeal hemangiopericytomas are extremely rare, with five surgically verified cases. We describe a case of a 55-year-old female diagnosed with metastatic hemangiopericytoma to the cervical spine 78 months after the first operation. Because of the long latency period, aggressive spinal surveillance should be advocated along with repeated bone scintigraphy and MRI.