J Korean Soc Radiol.  2016 Oct;75(4):304-308. 10.3348/jksr.2016.75.4.304.

Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma of the Thoracic Aorta: A Case Report

• Heo SY
• Park CS
• Kim SJ
• Park NH
• Heo JH
• Lee JJ

• KMID: 2353682
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jksr.2016.75.4.304

Abstract

Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, known as malignant fibrous histiocytoma, arising from the wall of the aorta is an extremely rare tumor. We report computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings of a 67-year-old male patient with histopathologically proven undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma arising from the wall of the descending thoracic aorta. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of such a case in Korea. Knowledge of imaging findings of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma will be helpful for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.

MeSH Terms

Aged
Aorta
Aorta, Thoracic*
Diagnosis
Histiocytoma, Malignant Fibrous
Humans
Korea
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Male
Sarcoma*

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 A 67-year-old male with undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma of the descending thoracic aorta. Axial contrast-enhanced computed tomography image (A) shows a heterogeneously enhancing lobulated mass-like lesion encasing the descending thoracic aorta and measuring 1.8 × 3.5 × 3.2 cm in size (white arrow). Coronal (B) reformatted image obtained in the venous phase (arrow) shows a lesion extending from the T6 to T8 level (white arrow). (C) The mass shows intermediate signal intensity on the T1 weighted image (white arrow) (D), strong peripheral enhancement with irregular heterogeneously enhancing foci within the lesion (white arrow), and heterogeneous high signal intensity on the T2 weighted image (white arrow) (E). F. At thoracotomy, an approximately 2 × 4 cm sized mass invading the thoracic aorta (white arrow) is noted. G. Hematoxylin and eosin (× 600) stain demonstrates fascicles of spindle cells with marked pleomorphism, prominent nucleoli, and high mitotic rate.

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