Retroperitoneal epithelioid sarcoma: A case report

Abstract

Epithelioid sarcoma (ES), a mesenchymatous malign neoformation, is often diagnosed in later stages and associated with high recurrence index, metastasis and mortality. We report a case of a 65 years old male, with history of abdominal pain and upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Endoscopy demonstrated a posterior duodenal wall perforation communicating with a solid retroperitoneal neoformation. Endoscopic biopsy was performed, with a final report of ES. The patient was submitted for surgical palliation due to the tumor’s unresectability. Retroperitoneal ES is an extremely rare condition with limited reports in the literature where guidelines for its optimal treatment are not well established.

Core tip: Epithelioid sarcoma (ES) is a rare malign neoformation, often diagnosed in later stages and associated with high recurrence index and mortality. We report a case of a 65 years old male with a posterior duodenal wall perforation found during endoscopy, communicating with a solid retroperitoneal neoformation. Endoscopic biopsies were sufficient for the diagnosis. Retroperitoneal ES is an extremely rare condition with limited reports, where guidelines for its optimal treatment are not well established.

INTRODUCTION

Epithelioid sarcoma (ES) was originally described in 1970 by Enzinger[1]. It is a rare malignant mesenchymatous tumor more frequently found in young patients from 23 to 40 years old; however with a range of presentation between 4 and 90 years of age[2]. Due to its diverse clinical scenario, diagnosis is generally delayed. Usually divided in proximal and distal presentation, with predominant topography on distal zones such as upper extremities, mainly fingers, hands and wrists[3]. The distal form is composed of spindle to polygonal epithelioid cells arranged in nodules with central necrosis. The proximal form was described in 1997, arising in the deep part of the pelvis, perineum and genital tract. It presents large epithelioid carcinoma-like cells and has a more aggressive clinical course than the distal presentation[4].

Microscopic appearance of ES ranges from spindle cells to large polygonal cells with an acidophilic cytoplasm[5]. Diagnosis can be confirmed with immunochemical staining positive for epithelial markers such as cytokeratin and epithelial membrane antigen, a mesenchymatous marker (vimentin) and CD34[6]. Finally, in some small series cytogenetic analysis has been performed, finding genetic alterations at the long arm of chromosome 22[7].

ES is distinguished by its high recurrence rate, with local recurrences reported in up to 77%, and an elevated percentage of node and lung metastasis (36%-44%)[8]. Five year, and 10-year survival are 65.3% and from 25% to 50% respectively[6]. However, the mean time from recurrence to death in patients older than 36 years stands at 5.6 ± 4.5 mo and in younger patients at 15.2 ± 17.2 mo[3]. Furthermore, the specific treatment for this pathology has not been established by international consensus; where a distal type ES tends to avoid amputation, a local recurrence is treated with local excision plus radiotherapy[7]. But, in tumors with unfavorable factors such as, proximal type or size greater than 5 cm, a systemic treatment plus surgical intervention should be evaluated[9].

CASE REPORT

A 65 years old Hispanic male with a remarkable medical history, presented with a one month history of right upper quadrant abdominal pain and upper gastrointestinal bleeding characterized by intermittent melena. Episodes of fever were also reported. Physical examination revealed a palpable right upper quadrant abdominal mass extending up to 4 cm below the costal margin. CT scan reported an infiltrative lesion in duodenum and gallbladder affecting the splenic, hepatic and mesenteric vascularity (Figures 1 and 2). Endoscopy was performed finding a 2 cm opening from the posterior duodenal wall communicating with a solid retroperitoneal mass, irregular, indurated and extremely friable measuring more than 10 cm in diameter (Figure 3).

Figure 1.

Abdominal radiography showing right upper quadrant mass enlargement.

Figure 2.

Computed tomography scan (simple and arterial phase) with infiltrative lesion at duodenum and gallbladder.

Figure 3.

Duodenal posterior wall perforation (A and B), retroperitoneal solid and irregular neoplasia (C), extreme friability and spontaneous bleeding (D).

The patient was treated with palliative surgery, performing a gastro-jejunal anastomosis, with a postoperative report of retroperitoneal tumor invading duodenum and gallbladder. Final histopathological report stated the presence of retroperitoneal ES positive for cytokeratin and vimentin (Figure 4). Lastly, the patient was deceased two weeks after the initial diagnosis.

Figure 4.

H and E with fusiform and giant pleomorphic cells, increased mitosis (A and B), positive staining for vimentin and cytokeratin respectively (C and D).

DISCUSSION

ES is a soft tissue malignant entity with a high recurrence rate and mortality. Thus, the importance of reporting this case in order to increase awareness of this rare disease; since it seems only an early diagnosis with definite surgical treatment can improve prognosis. In this particular case, endoscopy was helpful as the duodenal perforation allowed direct examination and prompt biopsy samples from the lesion. However, urgent surgical consultation was needed once the bowel perforation was found. In conclusion, ES is an infrequent variant of malignant sarcoma, with a very aggressive behavior, and which will only benefit with a prompt diagnosis and intensive multidisciplinary treatment.

COMMENTS

Case characteristics

A 65 years old Hispanic male with right upper quadrant abdominal pain and upper gastrointestinal bleeding characterized by intermittent melena.

Clinical diagnosis

Palpable right upper quadrant abdominal mass extending up to 4 cm below the costal margin.

Differential diagnosis

Primary neoplasm arising from a retroperitoneal structure (pancreas, adrenal glands, kidneys and duodenum), lymphoma.

Laboratory diagnosis

All labs were within normal limits except for chronic moderate anemia.

Imaging diagnosis

CT scan showed an infiltrative lesion in duodenum and gallbladder affecting the splenic, hepatic and mesenteric vascularity.

Endoscopy

Endoscopy showed a 2 cm opening from the posterior duodenal wall communicating with a solid retroperitoneal mass, irregular, indurated and extremely friable measuring more than 10 cm in diameter.

Pathological diagnosis

Retroperitoneal epithelioid sarcoma (ES) positive for cytokeratin and vimentin.

Treatment

Palliative surgery, a gastro-jejunal anastomosis.

Related reports

Epitheliod sarcoma is a malign entity with distal and proximal forms. The proximal form arising in the deep part of the pelvis, perineum and genital tract or retroperitoneum has been very rarely reported.

Term explanation

ES is a rare malignant mesenchymatous tumor more frequently found in young patients from 23 to 40 years old. Usually divided in proximal and distal presentation, with predominant topography on distal zones such as upper extremities, mainly fingers, hands and wrists. The proximal form originates in the deep part of the pelvis, perineum and genital tract. It presents large epithelioid carcinoma-like cells and has a more aggressive clinical course than the distal presentation.

Experiences and lessons

Retroperitonal ES is an extremely rare pathology, the duodenal perforation allowed the passage of a videoendoscope providing a very unusual and direct endoscopic view of the neoformation.

Peer-review

The authors describe a rare and an interesting case of ES.