Primary leiomyosarcoma of the lung

Leiomyosarcoma Leptomeningeal Brain Metastases

Brain metastases from soft tissue sarcomas (STS) occur late and relatively rarely, most commonly after lung metastases have developed. Furthermore, they are most commonly intraparenchymal in distribution. We describe two cases of histologically confirmed intracranial metastatic soft tissue leiomyosarcomas. In both cases all the nodular metastases measuring 10 mm in diameter or less could be easily detected in the leptomeningeal spaces by MRI. However, as the lesion enlarges it is difficult to recognize the site of origin, and the mass appears and behaves as intra-axial. Lesions located in the leptomeningeal spaces and in the perivascular space can be extremely small, which makes their detection problematic. For this reason we believe that in this context, MRI global gadolinium enhanced imaging using contiguous 1 mm slice thickness acquisition (TR 23 ms, TE 8 ms 512×512 matrix) is preferable, since the patient's management may vary depending on the multiplicity and location of the lesions.

[Primary pulmonary leiomyosarcoma revealed by spontaneous pneumothorax]

We report the case of a 57-year-old patient admitted for dyspnea and dry cough. Thoracic radiograph showed a right pneumothorax and right paracardiac opacity. Thoracic drainage was carried out allowing the return of the lung at the wall. Chest CT-scan revealed right upper mediastinopulmonary mass taking contrast material associated with a nodular thickening of the pleura. CT-guided biopsy of the mass and the pleural nodules concluded to pulmonary leiomyosarcoma. Death occurred one month after diagnosis confirmation. Pneumothorax is a usual mode of revealing sarcoma's pulmonary metastases; however, it is exceptionally associated with primitive pulmonary sarcomas. Our case is the second published case, to our knowledge, of primitive pulmonary leiomyosarcoma presenting with pneumothorax.

Metastatic Leiomyosarcoma of the Brain Manifesting as Multiple Hemorrhages-Case Report-

A 74-year-old man presented with a rare metastatic leiomyosarcoma of the brain manifesting as subacute development of multiple cerebral hemorrhages. Cerebral angiography demonstrated no tumor staining or vascular malformation. Whole body computed tomography revealed abnormal masses in the liver, left adrenal gland, and duodenum. Histological examination of an open biopsy specimen identified the lesion as metastatic leiomyosarcoma. Whole brain irradiation controlled the intracranial lesions, but the patient's general condition progressively deteriorated and he died of pneumonia. Metastatic leiomyosarcoma is a very uncommon tumor in the central nervous system with a poor response to existing treatment options. Consequently, new approaches to the treatment of this disease are needed.

Sarcoma metastatic to the brain: a series of 15 cases

METHODS

We report on 15 patients surgically treated for intraparenchymal brain metastases from sarcoma, including six osteosarcomas, five leiomyosarcomas, two malignant fibrous histiocytomas, and two alveolar soft-part sarcomas (ASPS).

RESULT

Median survival after craniotomy was 9.3 months. Patients with a preoperative Karnofsky performance score of > 70 survived for 12.8 versus 5.3 months for those with a Karnofsky performance score < 70 (p=0.03). Patients with evidence of only lung metastases at the time of surgery (nine cases) survived 8.6 months, which was similar to the 10.4-month survival for patients with disease limited to the brain (p=0.1). The two patients with alveolar soft-part sarcomas are alive at 15 and 20 months after surgery.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that surgery is effective in treating selected patients with sarcoma metastatic to the brain and that patients with metastasis from ASPS may have a relatively good prognosis if they are surgically treated. The complete removal of all brain metastases and a Karnofsky performance score > 70 are associated with a favorable prognosis; the presence of concurrent lung metastases is not a contraindication to surgery.

Sarcoma metastatic to the brain: results of surgical treatment

We report on 21 patients surgically treated for intraparenchymal brain metastasis from sarcoma, including six osteosarcomas, four leiomyosarcomas, three malignant fibrous histiocytomas, two alveolar soft-part sarcomas, two Ewing's bone sarcomas, one extraskeletal osteosarcoma, one extraskeletal Ewing's sarcoma, and two unclassified sarcomas. Median survival after craniotomy was 11.8 months. Patients with a preoperative Karnofsky performance score of > 70 survived for 15.7 versus 6.6 months for those with a Karnofsky performance score < or = 70. Patients. undergoing complete resection survived 14.0 versus 6.2 months for patients undergoing incomplete resection. Patients with evidence of lung metastases at the time of surgery survived 11.8 months, which was similar to the 10.5-month survival for patients with disease limited to the brain. The two patients with alveolar soft-part sarcoma are alive at 16 and 25 months after surgery. We conclude that surgery is effective in treating selected patients with sarcoma metastatic to the brain and that patients with metastasis from alveolar soft-part sarcoma may have a relatively good prognosis if they are surgically treated. The complete removal of all brain metastases and a Karnofsky performance score > 70 are associated with a favorable prognosis, whereas the presence of concurrent lung metastases is not a contraindication to surgery.

Sarcoma metastatic to the central nervous system parenchyma: a review of the literature

Sarcoma metastatic to cerebral parenchyma, although rare, occurs more frequently than generally recognized. With increased duration of survival due to multi-modal therapy, more CNS metastases are being found. A literature search occasioned by a patient with metastatic sarcoma has produced some interesting results.

Primary pulmonary leiomyosarcoma: case report and review of literature

A case of primary leiomyosarcoma of the lung is added to the literature. Previously, 66 cases were documented. This is a case of a 55-year-old male, a pulmonary cripple for many years, with a collapsed left lower lobe found by roentgenogram, verified by bronchoscopy and bronchograms. Biopsy of lesion was reported as low grade leiomyosarcoma. Despite pulmonary function studies showing a vital capacity of 37% of predicted normal, a left pneumonectomy was preformed. Postoperatively, the patient had a tachycardia which gradually decreased in the next several months. Two months following operation pulmonary function studies were essentially unchanged from those made preoperatively. Arterial gas studies are presented pre and postoperatively.