Sarcomas--a clinicopathological guide with particular reference to cutaneous manifestation. III. Angiosarcoma, malignant haemangiopericytoma, fibrosarcoma and synovial sarcoma

Sino-nasal hemangiopericytoma: a case series and systematic literature review

BACKGROUND

Hemangiopericytoma is a rare tumor of the sino-nasal tract. Its clinical behavior is controversial. Whereas some describe an indolent course, others consider it to be an aggressive lesion with a tendency toward rapid local recurrence. Here, we describe our experience in the management of sino-nasal hemangiopericytoma (SN-HPC), comparing our experience with the current literature, and evaluating signs and tools to improve diagnosis and treatment.

METHODS

All cases of SN-HPC between 2010 and 2020 were extracted and reviewed from our institutional electronic medical records. SN-HPC cases from PubMed and EMBASE between 2010 and 2020 were analyzed in a systematic literature review using the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Data regarding demographics, presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome were collected.

RESULTS

We identified four cases of SN-HPC in the nasal cavity in our institution and an additional 53 cases in previous reports. The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 59 years, with a 1.2:1 male to female ratio. SN-HPC mostly appears unilaterally, arising in the ethmoid sinus (42.1%). The most common presenting symptoms were epistaxis (47.3) and nasal obstruction (47.3%). Both computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were required for diagnosis and for tailoring the treatment plan. Endoscopic surgical excision was used in 85.9% of the patients, and in 15.7%, an additional preoperative embolization was performed, which was associated with septal necrosis in one patient (2.6%). The recurrence rate was 7%.

CONCLUSION

Although previous reports attribute an aggressive tumoral behavior to SN-HPC, our experience and the literature review support a more indolent course with low recurrence rates following complete endoscopic resection. Preoperative embolization can be useful in certain cases, but due to potential complications, it should not be routinely indicated.

Angiosarcoma

The findings at radiography, computed tomography and angiography and the clinical course of 30 cases of angiosarcoma were reviewed. The variety of primary sites results in a multitude of findings but the most common finding was that of a hypervascular soft tissue mass seen on CT and angiography. Additional findings of well demarcated cortical defects in long bones were also frequently noted. The general clinical behavior of these aggressive malignant tumors was also reviewed and it was noted that they had a deceptively benign presentation.

Systematic review of treatment and prognosis of sinonasal hemangiopericytoma

BACKGROUND

This study was undertaken to determine the recurrence rate for open and endoscopic surgery and the clinical prognosis of this sinonasal tumor.

METHODS

A systematic review of individual cases of sinonasal hemangiopericytoma was performed. A total of 97 articles were included in the study and reviewed to extract the relevant information about each case.

RESULTS

In all, 194 cases of sinonasal hemangiopericytoma were identified. There were 53 recurrences (27.3%), 6 tumor-related deaths (3.1%), and 4 cases of metastases (2.1%). There was no significant difference between rate of recurrence for endoscopic or open resection (p = .06). Incomplete excision was the most important predictor of recurrence (odds ratio = 11.50, 95% confidence interval 3.76-36.82, p < .001). Radiotherapy may be advantageous in cases of incomplete surgical resection (p = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

Complete excision is essential to minimize tumor recurrence and radiotherapy may decrease the rate of recurrence in the case of incomplete resection. Current evidence does not suggest that open resection is superior to endoscopic resection.

Concurrent Cochlear Implantation with Resection of Skull Base Hemangiopericytoma following Sudden Deafness in an Only Hearing Ear

A 72-year-old man with a known left acoustic neuroma, left-sided deafness, and a recently diagnosed right infratemporal fossa (ITF) hemangiopericytoma, presented with sudden deafness in his right ear. Imaging revealed right-sided skull base extension and a large intracranial tumor component. The patient underwent a frontotemporal crainiotomy with concomitant ITF approach. Complete tumor resection was possible, though invasion of the otic capsule was present. Immediately postresection, a cochlear implant (CI) was performed via a transmastoid approach. Full electrode insertion was achieved and confirmed by visualization through the dehiscent middle fossa floor. Mastoid obliteration was then performed with a free fat graft. Postoperative imaging confirmed complete tumor resection (Simpson grade I) and adequate CI placement. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging was performed at 6 and 12 months, and no tumor recurrence was seen. Prior to CI activation, the patient was completely deaf bilaterally. At 18-month follow-up, however, excellent hearing was achieved with the right CI (16 of 22 electrodes active), and the patient is now conversational with no obvious deficit. His cognitive function is excellent, corresponding to preoperative status, and he is independent in his activities of daily living. Following adjuvant radiation, our patient remains disease free at 18 months.

Sarcomas cutâneos primários

Os sarcomas com apresentação cutânea primária são tumores raros e de grande heterogeneidade histológica. Com a evolução da oncologia cutânea e da cirurgia dermatológica, os dermatologistas têm sido cada vez mais requisitados para o diagnóstico e orientação terapêutica de tumores menos freqüentes. Este artigo de revisão analisa os sarcomas cutâneos primários observando suas características clínicas, etiopatogênicas e histológicas, bem como aspectos do tratamento e evolução. Enfatiza os sarcomas de maior relevância para o dermatologista, como angiossarcoma, dermatofibrossarcoma protuberans, fibroxantoma atípico, leiomiossarcoma, lipossarcoma, tumor maligno de bainha de nervo periférico e sarcoma epitelióide. O sarcoma de Kaposi não é abordado devido a suas características individuais específicas.

Angiosarcoma of the scalp treated with Mohs micrographic surgery

The idiopathic type of angiosarcoma most commonly occurs on the face and scalp of elderly persons. This rare tumor can be highly aggressive; however, if the diagnosis is made at an early stage, while the tumor is still localized and has a size that is less than 10 cm, surgical excision is the treatment of choice. We report a case whereby Mohs micrographic surgery was used to treat angiosarcoma of scalp.

Hemangiopericytoma of the maxillary sinus and skull base

Since 1949, only 52 cases of hemangiopericytoma (HPC) of the nose and paranasal sinuses have been reported in the literature. Of the latter, only 2 originated from the maxillary sinus. This article reports 2 new cases. One arose in the maxillary sinus and involved the pterygopalatine fossa, skull base, and infratemporal fossa. The second tumor was located in the sphenoethmoidal recess. A new combination of techniques for resection of hemangiopericytoma of the skull base is described. Prognostic criteria for such tumors are reviewed, in conjunction with histological diagnosis.