Multifocal primary bone sarcoma in the elderly: a rare case and review of the literature

Scott Med J. 2012 Feb;57(1):60. doi: 10.1258/smj.2011.011279. Epub 2011 Dec 22.

Abstract

To our knowledge there are no reports of a primary multifocal spindle cell sarcoma affecting both long bones of the lower limb in an elderly patient. An 83-year-old man presented with a progressively painful right ankle, without a history of trauma. Radiographs demonstrated a pathological fracture through a mixed lytic and sclerotic lesion in the distal tibia. Staging investigations, including bone scintigraphy and magnetic resonance imaging, revealed a second lytic lesion in the right distal femur. A provisional diagnosis of metastatic disease was favoured and intramedullary nailing was considered. However, computed tomography of the chest, abdomen and pelvis, and relevant blood tests revealed no evidence of a primary malignancy. Open biopsy of the tibial lesion showed high-grade pleomorphic spindle cells consistent with a primary bone sarcoma. The patient was treated successfully with a right trans-femoral amputation. In conclusion, we recommend early bone biopsy to allow accurate diagnosis and appropriate skeletal management in elderly patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Amputation, Surgical
  • Biopsy
  • Bone Neoplasms / complications
  • Bone Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Bone Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Bone Neoplasms / surgery
  • Femur / diagnostic imaging
  • Femur / pathology*
  • Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / adverse effects
  • Fractures, Spontaneous / etiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Osteosarcoma / complications
  • Osteosarcoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Osteosarcoma / pathology*
  • Osteosarcoma / surgery
  • Tibia / diagnostic imaging
  • Tibia / pathology*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome