Primary histiocytic sarcoma presenting as diffuse leptomeningeal disease: Case description and review of the literature

Neuropathology. 2017 Dec;37(6):517-525. doi: 10.1111/neup.12390. Epub 2017 May 26.

Abstract

Histiocytic sarcoma is a rare malignant neoplasm arising most commonly in lymph nodes, intestinal tract, skin and soft tissue. The incidence of primary CNS histiocytic sarcoma is even rarer with a total of just 27 cases reported in the literature so far. Herein we describe the first autopsy case of histiocytic sarcoma presenting as a diffuse leptomeningeal disease in absence of a CNS tumor-forming parenchymal lesion. The clinical, pathological and immunophenotypic features are described and an updated literature review on primary CNS histiocytic sarcoma is included.

Keywords: brain; central nervous system; histiocytic sarcoma; malignant histiocytosis; meninges.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autopsy
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Histiocytic Sarcoma / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Middle Aged