Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma of the spine: case report and review of the literature

Spinal Cord Syndrome Due to Extramedullary Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma of the Thoracic Spine: A Case Report and Literature Review

We report a 48-year-old male patient with spinal epithelioid hemangioendothelioma in T3 and T4 who began with symptoms of paresthesia in the lower limbs and distal weakness of the right lower limb, back pain, increased limitation in walking, urinary incontinence, and constipation. A safe maximum resection was performed, finding residual disease during the PET/CT scan, so it was decided to treat with radiotherapy, and there was a good response to this treatment. A literature review of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma of the thoracic spine was done which showed a mean age of presentation of 41 years and a male-female ratio of 1:0.53. The main symptom was pain, which was present in 100% of the patients, and wide surgery was performed in 56.8% of the patients, intralesional surgery in 31.8%, and biopsy in 11.4%. A total of 46.6% of patients received radiation therapy, and only 6.6% received chemotherapy. The patients had an average follow-up of 38 months. We recommend that extension studies such as PET/CT scans be performed after surgical resection. This can serve as a follow-up with hemangioendothelioma epithelioma patients about metastatic disease or residual disease that will guide us in giving adjuvant treatments, such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy, for better control of the disease.

Primary vascular tumors of bone: A comprehensive literature review on classification, diagnosis and treatment

Primary vascular tumors of bone are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms, ranging from benign hemangiomas to frankly malignant epithelioid hemangioendotheliomas and angiosarcomas. Over the years, their classification has been a matter of discussion, due to morphologic similarities and uncertainty regarding biologic behavior. Over the past decade, with the development of next-generation sequencing, there has been a significant improvement in the molecular characterization of these lesions. The integration of their morphologic, immunohistochemical and molecular features has led to a better stratification, with important prognostic and therapeutic implications. Nevertheless, primary vascular bone tumors still represent a challenge for medical oncologists. Given their rarity and heterogeneity, in the last few years, there has been no significant progress in medical treatment options, so further research is needed. Here we present a review of the current knowledge regarding primary vascular tumors of the bone, correlating clinicopathologic features with tumor behavior and therapeutic approaches.

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma of the distal lower extremity and the role of radiotherapy: A report of two cases

We report two cases of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) in the distal lower extremity. Our first patient had unicentric EHE of the left os calcis initially treated with an intralesional procedure; however, later developed two recurrences which were managed with radiation therapy. Our second patient had multicentric EHE of the distal tibia and fibula managed with primary radiation therapy. Although EHE is typically treated with wide resection or an intralesional procedure, we present two cases of EHE in the distal lower extremity to discuss the therapeutic role of radiation therapy in the management of distal EHE.

A Rare Case of Epithelioid Hemangioma Presenting as an Isolated Sacral Mass

Epithelioid hemangioma (EH) is an uncommon benign vascular tumor of mesenchymal origin. It mainly presents as expanding nodules around the ear, the forehead, and long bones. Only a handful of cases have been found in cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral vertebrae as lytic lesions with pain and neurological impairment. We present the case of a 36-year-old female with an incidental finding of a sacral mass along with inguinal lymphadenopathy on imaging. Initially, there were no symptoms. The mass gradually progressed and later showed an extraosseous extension with involvement of sacral neural foramina and nerve roots causing severe low back pain and weakness of the left lower extremity. Differential diagnoses initially included secondary metastases and chordoma. However, the biopsy of the mass revealed findings consistent with an EH. To our knowledge, this is the first case of EH presenting as an isolated mass in the sacrum and the third case of EH involving the sacrum in continuation with other vertebrae. EH should be in our differential diagnoses when there is a sacral mass.

Custom Mega Prosthesis in a Rare case of Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma of Proximal Tibia - A Case Report

INTRODUCTION

Lytic lesions of the proximal tibia include a plethora of differential diagnoses. The most common ones are the Giant cell tumor, fibrous dysplasia, adamantinoma, chondromyxoid fibroma, and osteoblastoma. The rarer ones include vascular tumors such as hemangioma and hemangioendothelioma. A systematic line of investigations is essential to pick up the right diagnosis especially in case of rarer conditions. In this background, we present a case of lytic lesion of the proximal tibia which turned out to be epitheloid hemangioendothelioma (EHE).

CASE REPORT

A 37-year-old female presented with pain and swelling in the left knee for 2 years. On examination, the patient had a 3 × 4 cm firm, non-tender, and well-defined swelling on the anterolateral aspect of the proximal tibia. X-ray showed a lytic lesion of the proximal tibia. Magnetic resonance imaging was suggestive of a giant cell tumor. However, the biopsy revealed a rare diagnosis of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma.

CONCLUSION

The patient was managed with wide excision. In a young adult, arthrodesis may not be the best option; hence, we reconstructed the joint with a custom mega prosthesis (CMP). At 3 years follow-up, our patient had no signs of recurrence. To our best knowledge, this is the first report on the use of CMP in a case of EHE.

Imaging Findings and Clinical Features of Primary Spinal Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma

Rationale and Objectives

Primary spinal epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (SEHE) is an extremely rare angiocentric vascular neoplasm with inherent metastatic potential, which pursues a clinical course intermediate between hemangioma and angiosarcoma. The present study sought to present computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and clinical features of primary SEHE and review the literature.

Materials and Methods

Clinical data of four patients with primary SEHE confirmed by pathology from January 2011 to May 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. Two cases underwent CT scan, while 3 cases underwent MRI scan. Image observation included the tumor location, bone changes, morphology, density/signal characteristics, and enhanced features.

Results

The four patients were all women who ranged in age from 25 to 74 years. Four cases of the lesions were in the vertebral body; among them, two cases involved the accessory of the vertebra. Soap bubble appearance was detected in 2 cases, honeycomb osteolytic appearance in 2 cases, a sclerotic margin in 3 cases, and accompanying vertebral compression fracture in 1 case. CT showed a slightly inhomogeneous low density with punctate high-density foci. MRI showed an inhomogeneous low signal on T₁-weighted image (T₁WI) and a high signal on T₂WI. Contrast-enhanced CT/MRI demonstrated moderate to intensive inhomogeneous enhancement of the lesions. The discs were normal. In one case, lesions presented a dural tail sign.

Conclusions

Primary SEHE is so rare in the clinic as an aggressive vascular tumor. The relatively typical clinical features and radiographic findings can help in preoperative diagnosis.

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma of the spine: an analysis of imaging findings

Background

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a low-grade malignant vascular neoplasm with the potential to metastasize. Primary EHE of the spine is very rare and an accurate diagnosis is crucial to treatment planning. We aim to investigate the imaging and clinical data of spinal EHE to improve the understanding of the disease.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the imaging manifestations and clinical data of 12 cases with pathologically confirmed spinal EHE. The imaging features analyzed included number, locations, size, border, density, signal, majority of the lesions, expansile osteolysis, residual bone trabeculae, sclerotic rim, vertebral compression, enhancement.

Results

Patients included 5 female and 7 male patients (mean age: 43.0 ± 19.6 years; range 15–73 years). Multiple lesions were noted in 1 case and single lesion was noted in 11 cases. The lesions were located in the thoracic, cervical, lumbar, and sacral vertebrae in 7, 3, 1, and 1 cases, respectively. They were centered in the vertebral body and posterior elements in 9 and 3 cases, respectively. Residual bone trabeculae, no sclerotic margin, and surrounding soft-tissue mass were noted in 11 cases, each, and mild expansile osteolysis and vertebral compression were noted in 10 and 6 cases, respectively. MRI was performed for 11 patients, all of whom showed isointensity on T1WI, hyperintensity or slight hyperintensity on T2WI, and hyperintensity on fat-suppressed T2WI. A marked enhancement pattern was noted in 10 cases.

Conclusion

Spinal EHE tend to develop in the thoracic vertebrae. EHE should be considered when residual bone trabeculae can be seen in the bone destruction area, accompanied by pathological compression fracture, no sclerotic rim, and high signal intensity for a vascular tumor on T2WI.

Long-Term Observation and Treatment of Epithelioid Haemangioendothelioma of the Mediastinum: A Case Report

Epithelioid haemangioendothelioma is a rare angiogenic tumour originating from vascular endothelial or pre-endothelial cells, and it can occur anywhere in the body, such as the liver, lung, bone, spleen, lymph nodes, parotid gland, and thyroid. In the fifth revision of the WHO classification, epithelioid haemangioendothelioma (EHE) was described as a malignant vascular neoplasm composed of epithelioid endothelial cells, distinct from epithelioid angiosarcoma. We, herein, report one patient with EHE of the left upper mediastinum who underwent resection and radiotherapy during the first therapeutic process. Multiple metastases occurred in the thoracic vertebrae 6 years later, and resection and multiple radiotherapies were performed. The condition of the patient remained stable at the last review in October 2020, and it has been more than 8 years since her first admission. The reasonable “take-away” lessons from the case are active treatment and prolonged surveillance.

Femoral epithelioid hemangioendothelioma detected with magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography/computed tomography: A case report

BACKGROUND

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is an uncommon low-grade aggressive vascular tumor. It can occur in almost all locations, but is rarely encountered in bone.

CASE SUMMARY

We report a 23-year-old man who presented with left hip pain with no obvious cause. X-ray revealed bone destruction in the left femoral neck with sclerosis at the edges of the lesions. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed bone destruction in the medullary cavity of the left femoral head and neck. ¹⁸F-deoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging showed bone destruction in the left ischium, acetabulum, and left femoral head neck, accompanied by increased radioactive uptake; the maximum standard uptake value was 4.2. Histopathologic examination revealed spindle-shaped mesenchymal tissue hyperplasia with scattered epithelioid cells. The patient underwent left femoral head replacement surgery. No signs of recurrence were observed as of the 18-mo follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The definitive diagnosis of femoral EHE can be established aided by the MRI and PET/CT findings.

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma of spine: A case report with review of literatures

Primary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma of the spine is the extremely rare malignant vascular neoplasm with an unpredictable outcome. A case of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma with multiple lytic lesions of thoracolumbar spine and other bones in a 29-year-old male patient is reported. A review of the published data regarding this rare neoplasm is also presented. The features of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma include the occurrence in the young male patient, multiple osteolytic lesions with thin sclerotic rim and hypermetabolic activities. However, its imaging features are not specific. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography is essential for identification of the lesions and subsequent follow-up for treatment.

A Review of the Spectrum of Imaging Manifestations of Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to review the spectrum of imaging manifestations of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma across different organ systems and briefly describe its current treatment strategies. CONCLUSION. Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma is a rare, locally invasive neoplasm with metastatic potential. Although most commonly occurring in liver, lungs, and bones, it can also present at multiple other sites. Because of its nonspecific clinical and imaging manifestations, it is often misdiagnosed. The possibility of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma must be considered in the presence of a slowly growing mass that invades adjacent structures. Imaging can help plan percutaneous biopsy, detect sites of disease, and identify poor prognostic factors.

F18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in the evaluation of vertebral vascular tumors

PURPOSE

F-FDG PET/CT in vertebral vascular tumors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively collected PET/CT and clinical data of patients with vertebral vascular tumors and analyzed the location, number, and bone destruction and FDG uptake features of the lesion. We measured SUVmax and maximum diameter and analyzed the correlations between SUVmax and the pathological results, size, and CT features.

RESULTS

Twenty-one pathology-proven vertebral vascular tumors were included: 2 angiosarcomas (SUVmax, 11.6 and 32.3), 1 epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (SUVmax, 5.7), 1 epithelioid hemangioma (SUVmax, 8.5), and 17 aggressive hemangiomas. Twelve cases of typical hemangiomas were included as controls. The SUVmax and diameter of the aggressive hemangiomas were higher than those of the typical hemangiomas. The mean SUVmax of aggressive hemangiomas with cortical destruction was higher than that of those without cortical destruction (t = -2.566, P = 0.022). Radioactive distribution in aggressive hemangiomas was homogeneous and heterogeneous in nine and eight cases, respectively. In six aggressive hemangiomas, the FDG uptake of residual and marginal sclerosing bone was higher than that of the osteolytic destruction area and/or paravertebral soft tissue. Six aggressive hemangiomas involved the spinal canal, without clear visualization on PET/CT.

CONCLUSION

F-FDG PET/CT shows limitations in evaluating the spinal canal involvement of aggressive hemangioma.

Multifocal and hormone-dependent epithelioid hemangioendothelioma with osteolysis of the second cervical vertebral body: report of an unprecedented surgical approach by using autologous bone graft

We report the case of a 28-year-old female patient who complained of extreme neck pain when giving birth to a child. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cervical spine demonstrated an osteolytic lesion at the second cervical vertebral body (C2). In this presentation, we highlight a transoral surgical approach in order to prevent instability of this osteolytic lesion. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that such a route of access has been described for this tumor entity. A histopathologic examination led to the diagnosis of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma. During a follow-up period of 33 months, the patient had no complaints.

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma of the bone: A case report with findings of bone scintigraphy

INTRODUCTION

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) of the bone is a very rare malignant vascular neoplasm, with biologic behavior between that of locally aggressive epithelioid hemangioma and malignant epithelioid angiosarcoma. We report a case of a patient with EHE who underwent bone scintigraphy, try to identify the characteristics of it, to highlight the clinical importance of whole-body bone scintigraphy and single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/ CT) in the diagnosis and treatment of EHE.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 67-year-old man with no history of trauma who reported pain in both lower limbs for 6 months, which had been worsening over the last 20 days. Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of both lower limbs revealed numerous osteolytic lesions in the tibia and fibula bilaterally. Tc-methylene diphosphonate (MDP) bone scintigraphy demonstrated increased tracer uptake in the pelvic and bilateral lower limb bones. SPECT/CT bone imaging showed numerous osteolytic lesions cluster in the same anatomic region, with high tracer uptake in lesion margins.

DIAGNOSIS

EHE of the bone.

INTERVENTIONS

Two months after the diagnosis was confirmed, the patient was rehospitalized. Nonopioid analgesic use had not provided pain relief. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of both thighs showed the bone cortex was destroyed with numerous irregular lesions, and soft-tissue was involved. A second bone scintigraphy did not show any new lesions. He was administrated with recombination human endostatin injection 15 mg ivgtt qd for 14 days, combined with apatinib mesylate tablets 500 mg po qd for 18 days.

OUTCOMES

He was discharged voluntarily and died 2 months later.

CONCLUSION

EHE of the bone is a very rare malignant vascular neoplasm with no specific radiographic imaging features. Whole-body bone scintigraphy, especially SPECT/CT bone imaging, significantly reduces ambiguous diagnoses and is recommended before treatment.

A Case of Vanishing Metastatic Mass: Right Atrial Mass in the Setting of Primary Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma of the Spine

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare low-grade vascular neoplasm that is characterized as intermediate between benign hemangioma and high-grade angiosarcoma affecting 1 in 1,000,000 people worldwide. It has been described throughout the body with lung, liver, skin, and bone being the most frequent sites. Primary EHE of the spine has been reported in 56 cases so far with no correlation of age and sex. Our case highlights a rare clinical presentation, etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of EHE of the spine with metastasis to the right atrium. This is the first documented case of EHE of the spine with metastatic spread to the heart treated with bevacizumab leading to resolution of the heart metastatic mass. Further studies are warranted to develop a treatment formula for this rare tumor, to consider combination chemotherapy and new adjuvant targeted immunotherapies to prevent progression of disease.

Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma: Update on Diagnosis and Treatment

OPINION STATEMENT

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is an extremely rare sarcoma, as such it can pose a clinical dilemma based solely on its rarity. Also, the spectrum of disease varies greatly between an indolent disease and aggressive disease with widespread metastases. In our clinical practice, the primary focus has been to get a handle on the aggressive nature of the disease, which will then dictate how urgently one needs to treat the patient. Pathological review with immunohistochemistry and molecular characterization is paramount. Our treatment strategy is watch-and-wait versus active therapy on clinical trial or based on results of prior clinical trials. There is evidence to support the use of chemotherapeutics and targeted therapies specifically focusing on anti-angiogenesis. The current landscape of oncology with the emergence and excitement of immunotherapy could also translate in a role for immunotherapy in this disease. While rare, there is certainly no reason that research and trials for patients with EHE should not remain on utmost importance for those of us who specialize in the treatment of sarcomas.