"Bubble-like" lung metastases in osteosarcoma patients

Eur J Radiol. 2009 Jul;71(1):144-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2008.03.001. Epub 2008 Apr 14.

Abstract

Purpose: Cavitation of pulmonary metastases have been reported by several authors either as a spontaneous phenomenon or as a consequence of chemotherapy. We present two cases, with this type of image in follow-up, and 20-45 months after the end of treatment. This was the first sign of pulmonary metastases.

Results: Two patients with osteogenic sarcoma developed radiological evidence of pulmonary "bubble-like" cavitation several years following completion of chemotherapy. In one patient the "bubble-like" cavitation transformed into a solid nodule. Both patients had surgical resections of all pulmonary lesions, and histology confirmed presence of viable osteosarcoma metastases.

Conclusion: The two cases suggest that onset of "bubble-like" cavitation in lung parenchyma of osteosarcoma patients may be the first sign of pulmonary metastases.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Bone Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lung Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Male
  • Osteosarcoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Osteosarcoma / secondary*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*