Monarthritis of the ankle as manifestation of a calcaneal metastasis of bronchogenic carcinoma

Foot metastasis: Current knowledge

Foot metastasis are rare and often overlooked due to non-specifical symptoms. This often leads to misdiagnosis delaying the right diagnosis. Metastatic disease of the foot is rare. Foot pain and swelling may be the presenting symptom of an occult malignancy. If metastatic disease is not kept in the differential diagnosis of foot pain, diagnosis and treatment will be delayed. The purpose of this study was to analyze articles presenting cases of foot metastasis to provide a more accurate incidence of symptomatic foot acrometastasis as well as to review the clinical course and outcomes. Studies were searched on PubMed/Medline from the inception to February 2020. All studies included in the review presented foot metastasis either with or without a known primary tumor. Most of the articles were case reports, to which we added two case reports of foot acrometastasis produced by our Institute. Forty-three studies with a total of 45 patients were included in this review. The literature published mostly concerning case reports about old patients (average age: 63,2), in a late phase of their disease. Lung cancer appeared to be the most common primary tumor, followed by endometrial and breast cancer. In the 36% of the cases foot metastasis were found when the primary site was still unknown. Calcaneus and metatarsal bones were the most common bones involved. Surgical solution is rare, the chosen treatments are often of palliative care. Prognosis was often poor, death occurred within 2 years since the discovery of foot metastasis in about 50% of cases.

Isolated Calcaneal Metastasis: An Unusual Presentation of Lung Carcinoma as Heel Pain

A 63-year-old woman initially presented with progressive left foot pain for 3 months, not responding to conservative management. MRI of the left foot showed a suspicious lesion in calcaneus. An open biopsy was consistent with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma. Tc-MDP total-body bone scintigraphy was ordered for possible other bony lesions, and only left calcaneus lesion was identified on bone scan. CT scan of the chest revealed a soft tissue mass in the superior aspect of the right lower lobe. Staging FDG PET/CT showed hypermetabolic right lung mass and left calcaneus lesion. She received chemotherapy and local radiation to the left calcaneus metastatic lesion.

Plantar heel pain

Plantar heel pain is a common complaint encountered by orthopedic surgeons, internists, and family practitioners. Although it is most often caused by plantar fasciitis, this is a diagnosis of exclusion. Other mechanical, rheumatologic, and neurologic causes must be considered first. The history and physical examination are typically all that is needed to make the proper diagnosis, but diagnostic adjuncts are available to assist the clinician. When plantar fasciitis is diagnosed, conservative modalities must be tried first. Corticosteroid injections and extracorporeal shock-wave therapy may also be used. After 6 months of failed conservative treatments, surgical intervention should be considered.

Metastatic skeletal disease of the foot: case reports and literature review

BACKGROUND

Metastatic disease of the skeleton occurs in at least 20% to 30% of patients with malignancy, but metastasis to the foot and hand (acrometastasis) is extremely rare (0.007% to 0.3%). Metastases to the feet are even rarer and have been reported in half to one-third the rate for hand metastases. Failure to recognize these lesions has led to delayed diagnosis and/or inappropriate treatment. The purpose of this report is to highlight the clinical and radiologic features that aid in the diagnosis and potential treatment of this condition along with a pertinent review of the literature.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a retrospective review of 694 patients with histologically proven metastatic skeletal disease (January 1988 to January 2007), 14 cases of metastatic lesions to the foot were identified.

RESULTS

The most frequent primary site was in the genito-urinary system in eight patients and the most common bones involved were the calcaneus and the talus in six patients each. All patients died after a mean survival of 14.8 (range, 1 to 54) months after diagnosis of metastases.

CONCLUSION

Although metastatic disease of the foot is rare, it should be considered in the diagnosis of a painful foot, especially if suspicious radiographic changes are present in an older patient. The common primary sites are the genito-urinary, lungs, breast, and the colo-rectum. Treatment is usually palliative to reduce pain and maintain function.

Isolated talus metastasis from breast carcinoma: a case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Acrometastases are very rare and have been identified in only a few cases on the foot. At the onset, they might be misdiagnosed as arthritis.

CASE REPORT

A 59-year-old woman with isolated metastasis to the talus, originating from breast carcinoma was treated by radiotherapy, letrazole, and intravenous bisphosphonates.

RESULTS

The review of the literature revealed that this is the first case of an isolated metastasis to the bone of talus from a breast carcinoma, while there are a few cases originating from other organs. The differential diagnosis of acrometastases may be difficult.

CONCLUSION

Pain in the foot or hand of a patient with a known history of malignancy should be considered as potential metastasis.