Primary rhabdomyosarcoma of the distal femoral diaphysis: a case report and review of the literature

Skeletal Radiol. 2016 Oct;45(10):1391-5. doi: 10.1007/s00256-016-2430-7. Epub 2016 Jul 13.

Abstract

Primary rhabdomyosarcoma of the bone is an extremely rare condition with few examples reported in the literature. We present the case of a 34-year-old male who presented with a lesion in the distal femur with initial imaging features consistent with Ewing sarcoma. Histologically, the lesion consisted of atypical pleomorphic polygonal rhabdomyoblasts demonstrating focal desmin and myogenin expression. A diagnosis of pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma was rendered. Despite systemic treatment and surgery, this patient experienced a rapidly progressive disease course. We believe this is only the second report in the orthopedic literature of a case of primary pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma of the bone. The key imaging, pathologic, and clinical findings are discussed.

Keywords: Adult rhabdomyosarcoma; Pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma; Primary rhabdomyosarcoma of bone.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diaphyses / diagnostic imaging
  • Diaphyses / pathology
  • Femoral Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Femoral Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Rare Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Rare Diseases / pathology*
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma / diagnosis
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma / pathology*
  • Sarcoma, Ewing / diagnosis
  • Sarcoma, Ewing / pathology