Acute Presentation of a High-Grade Myxofibrosarcoma Originating in the Thoracic Wall: A Case Report

Chest. 2022 Jan;161(1):e1-e4. doi: 10.1016/j.chest.2021.07.2179.

Abstract

We report the first case of a patient with myxofibrosarcoma (MFS) who presented acutely with a rib fracture and developed a rapidly expanding loculated hemothorax after chest trauma. The patient was taken to the operating room for evacuation of hemothorax, and samples and biopsy specimens were taken for cytologic and pathologic examination. Final report with immunohistochemical staining showed a high-grade MFS. After the procedure, there was clinical and radiological improvement, and the patient was followed up as an outpatient. Myxofibrosarcoma is a very rare and aggressive connective tissue neoplasm with variable presentations. Surgical resection is the preferred treatment. Prompt diagnosis and adequate management of these tumors are important to reduce their high local recurrence and distant metastasis rates. Therefore, it is important to be aware of its common and uncommon presentations.

Keywords: connective tissue; hemothorax; myxofibrosarcoma; pleural effusion; tumor.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls*
  • Aged
  • Fibrosarcoma / complications
  • Fibrosarcoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Fibrosarcoma / pathology
  • Fibrosarcoma / surgery
  • Fractures, Spontaneous / diagnostic imaging
  • Fractures, Spontaneous / etiology
  • Fractures, Spontaneous / therapy
  • Hemothorax / diagnostic imaging*
  • Hemothorax / etiology
  • Hemothorax / therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Myxosarcoma / complications
  • Myxosarcoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Myxosarcoma / pathology
  • Myxosarcoma / surgery
  • Neoplasm Grading
  • Rib Fractures / diagnostic imaging*
  • Rib Fractures / etiology
  • Rib Fractures / therapy
  • Thoracic Injuries
  • Thoracic Wall / diagnostic imaging*
  • Thoracic Wall / pathology
  • Thoracic Wall / surgery