A presacral solitary fibrous tumor with extramedullary hematopoiesis: radiologic and pathologic findings

Intratumoral extramedullary hematopoiesis in solitary fibrous tumor of the breast

Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) is most often associated with underlying hematologic disorders, such as myeloproliferative neoplasms and thalassemia. EMH in the setting of solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is exceedingly rare, with only 3 cases reported to date in the English literature. Herein, we describe our experience with a unique case of SFT arising in the breast with intratumoral foci of EMH in a 57-year-old woman who presented with an incidentally found right axillary mass on routine screening mammography. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of mammary SFT with concurrent intratumoral EMH.

Magnetic resonance features of meningeal solitary fibrous tumors

The aim of the present study was to investigate magnetic resonance (MR) features of meningeal solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) in order to improve their recognition. The study retrospectively analyzed MR manifestations in 12 cases of meningeal SFTs confirmed by surgery. The lesions were analyzed in terms of the site of their growth, growth mode, morphology, size, changes in the MR signal and the edge of the focus. The tumors were malignant in 3 cases, benign in 7 cases and borderline in 2 cases. A total of 3 cases spanned the tentorium cerebelli, 3 spanned the falx and another case was close to the falx. Overall, 4 superficial tumors were accompanied by adjacent bony destruction. One case was located at the triangular area created by the right lateral ventricles. The tumors were all lobular, with a large diameter and more cystic areas in the center of the focus. The signals were often heterogeneous. The parenchyma in the tumors was significantly enhanced. For certain tumors, the signal was usually inhomogeneous and not uniform. The MR features of a SFT were often similar to other intracranial tumors and easily misdiagnosed. There were certain innate characteristics, for example, the tumor was often a solitary large soft-tissue mass with an irregular edge and a clear boundary, with a lobulated contour, and was widely involved with other tissues. The tumors often grew across either the falx or tentorium cerebelli. A significantly inhomogeneous signal was found and either a low or low-high mixed signal on T2-weighted images in particular. These features are useful for the differential diagnosis of SFTs and other tumors.

A systematic review of presacral extramedullary haematopoiesis: a diagnosis to be considered for presacral masses

AIM

Presacral masses are uncommon and have malignant potential; treatment typically includes surgical excision. However, there are conditions such as extramedullary haematopoiesis (EMH) which are benign. The present study aimed to summarize the presentation of presacral EMH in our institution, to review the literature and to offer management strategies for this rare condition.

METHOD

The literature was searched for articles related to presacral EMH, and case reports were collected from articles meeting the inclusion criteria. We collected data on patient demographics, diagnostic investigation, management and the results of treatment.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine patients were included in the systematic review. Initial imaging included computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound (US) suggestive of EMH. Some patients then underwent a technetium scan (n = 7, 18%), biopsy of the presacral lesion (n = 27, 69%) or excision of the entire mass (n = 3, 8%). All patients who underwent technetium scan were confirmed to have EMH, demonstrating enhancement similar to bone marrow. Patients who underwent technetium scan and presacral mass biopsy had concordant results confirming presacral EMH (n = 5, 13%). Data on management were available for 35/39 (90%) with most patients followed by clinical observation (n = 20, 51%). Symptomatic patients were treated with radiotherapy (15%), surgical excision (15%) or hydroxyurea (5%) and blood transfusions (10%). Most (81%, n = 17/21) patients whose outcome was reported remained asymptomatic or experienced pain relief.

CONCLUSION

Although uncommon, EMH should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a presacral mass. Presacral EMH is a benign condition that can be suspected on CT or MRI and confirmed with technetium scan. Patients may not necessarily need to undergo biopsy to confirm haematopoietic elements. Unlike other presacral masses, patients diagnosed with presacral EMH can be managed by observation. If symptomatic, radiotherapy or surgical excision may be offered.