Vertebral Angiosarcoma. Case Study
Journal Title: Ortopedia Traumatologia Rehabilitacja - Year 2015, Vol 17, Issue 4
Abstract
Bone angiosarcomas, especially vertebral angiosarcomas, are very rare. There are no studies based on large clinical samples in the literature, and only a few single case reports can be found. The symptoms of the disease are not specific. It is usually detected incidentally or at a late stage when pathological vertebral fractures or neurological complications occur. Diagnostic imaging and history help to recognize the tumour behind the symptoms, but do not allow accurate clinical diagnosis. The basis for a diagnosis is the histopathological examination supported by immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays. The case of a 26-year-old woman with an angiosarcoma involving the eighth thoracic vertebra we report reflects diagnostic problems adversely affecting the efficacy and accuracy of treatment offered to patients. The patient underwent three surgeries of the spine, including two biopsies. A needle biopsy did not provide sufficient information for the diagnosis. An open excisional biopsy, which at the same time temporarily reduced neurological deficits in the patient, was the only chance to obtain an accurate diagnosis. The third surgery was posterior decompression of the spinal cord due to the rapidly escalating paraparesis. It was not until 8 weeks later that the final diagnosis was established. At that time, the patient could not be qualified for any supplementary treatment. The patient died in hospital 6 months after the onset of disease.
Authors and Affiliations
Grzegorz Guzik
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP77270
- DOI 10.5604/15093492.1173382
- Views 118
- Downloads 0
Total knee arthroplasty in patients with severe deformities due to rheumatoid arthritis
In RA patients with a very aggressive disease, pathological changes in the knee occur in 90% of cases in the end-stage period. These changes are often accompanied by severe deformities, such as flexion contracture, valgu...
Evaluation of Motor Response in Mucopolysaccharidosis Patients Treated with Enzyme Replacement Therapy
Background. The objective of this study is to evaluate the response of the musculoskeletal system to enzyme replacement therapy in a group of patients with Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS). Material and methods. A retrospect...
A Study on the Effects of General Fatigue on Head and Neck Proprioception in Healthy Young Adults
Background. Fatigue is one of the factors causing disturbance in proprioception which can be manifested in two ways: general and local. Due to the important role of cervical proprioception on body stability and posture,...
Siła mięśni antygrawitacyjnych a siła prostownika grzbietu u dzieci ze skoliozami
Wstęp. Z przeglądu piśmiennictwa wynika, że w programie reedukacji posturalnej znaczące miejsce zajmują ćwiczenia wzmacniające mięśnie prostujące grzbietu. Ćwiczenia te wykonywane są zwykle w pozycjach innych niż pionowe...
FATCO Syndrome (Fibular Aplasia, Tibial Campomelia, Oligosyndactyly with Talar Aplasia). A Case Study
FATCO syndrome consists of fibular hemimelia, tibial campomelia and oligosyndactyly. FATCO syndrome can also be associated with other congenital anomalies; therefore, every case needs thorough evaluation so as to make th...