A Thoracic Outlet Syndrome That Concealed a Glioblastoma. Findings from a Case Report
Lorenzo Storari,
Manuel Signorini,
Valerio Barbari,
Firas Mourad,
Mattia Bisconti,
Mattia Salomon,
Giacomo Rossettini,
Filippo Maselli
Affiliations
Lorenzo Storari
Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetic and Maternal Infantile Sciences (DI-NOGMI), Campus of Savona—University of Genova, Via Magliotto 2, 17100 Savona, Italy
Manuel Signorini
Department of Radiology, ULSS 9 Scaligera, Mater Salutis Hospital, 37045 Legnago, Italy
Valerio Barbari
Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetic and Maternal Infantile Sciences (DI-NOGMI), Campus of Savona—University of Genova, Via Magliotto 2, 17100 Savona, Italy
Firas Mourad
Department of Clinical Science and Translation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
Mattia Bisconti
Department of Medicine and Health Science “Vincenzo Tiberio”, University of Molise, c/o Cardarelli Hospital, C/da Tappino, 86100 Campobasso, Italy
Mattia Salomon
Department of Clinical Science and Translation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
Giacomo Rossettini
School of Physiotherapy, University of Verona, 37100 Verona, Italy
Filippo Maselli
Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetic and Maternal Infantile Sciences (DI-NOGMI), Campus of Savona—University of Genova, Via Magliotto 2, 17100 Savona, Italy
Background: Glioblastoma is the most frequent and aggressive malignant brain tumor among adults. Unfortunately, its symptoms can vary considerably depending on the size, location and the anatomic structures of the involved brain. Case report: A 58-year-old male amateur cyclist who suffered from sharp arm pain was examined for a thoracic outlet syndrome due to a previous clavicle fracture. Because of ambiguous results of the neck and nerve plexus imaging, he was referred to a neurosurgeon who properly suspected a brain tumor. The neuroimaging of the brain shown a 3 cm disploriferative mass with a blood enhancement within the left parietal lobe. The mass was urgently removed, and its histologic analysis stated a grade 4 glioblastoma. Conclusion: This case report highlights the differential diagnosis process and the teamwork approach needed to diagnose a rare presentation of a brain glioblastoma, which started its symptoms mimicking a thoracic outlet syndrome caused by a previous bone fracture.
