Metastatic leiomyosarcoma of the thoracic spine: case report

Abstract

Leiomyosarcoma is a rare malignant mesenchymal tumor arising from smooth muscle cells. Metastatic spreading is possible, which even rarely metastasize to the bone being the latter localization a delayed manifestation of its natural progression. Spinal metastases represent the most common bone localizations with prevalence in the thoracic and lumbar spine.We present a 55-year-old female, operated there’s 2 years for a hysterectomy of uterine leiomyosarcoma, admitted in our department with a flaccid paraplegia. Spine magnetic resonance imaging showed an extradural mass, iso-intense on T2, enhancing after gadolinium administration; placed at T5-T6 level with a severe cord compression. The patient underwent a decompressive laminectomy T5 and a total removal of the tumor. The histological examination revealed a metastatic leiomyosarcoma.The prognosis of patients with leiomyosarcoma is variable depending on the resectability and existence of metastasis. The essential treatment is surgery but an additional therapy, such as radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy, may be required to improve local control.