An unusual presentation of pneumothorax associated with cystic lung metastasis from epithelioid sarcoma: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Circumscribed solid nodules are common in pulmonary metastases from sarcoma, but cystic pulmonary metastases from sarcomas are extremely rare. An unusual case of a 33-year-old man presenting with left spontaneous pneumothorax in association with cystic pulmonary metastases from an epithelioid sarcoma in the left forearm was discussed in the present study. The patient underwent wide resection of an epithelioid sarcoma in the left forearm 6 years prior. Periodical computed tomography revealed a gradual increase in the number and size of bilateral multiple cystic pulmonary metastases despite repeated chemotherapy treatment. At 33 years of age, the patient visited the outpatient department for sudden left chest pain and dyspnea. Plain radiography demonstrated spontaneous pneumothorax in the left lung; chest tube insertion and pleurodesis were successfully performed thereafter. At the last follow-up, 24 months after spontaneous pneumothorax, he is still alive and receiving chemotherapy treatment. Spontaneous pneumothorax is a common complication associated with cystic pulmonary metastases from epithelioid sarcoma. Orthopedic oncologists need to be aware of this unusual sarcomatous metastasis during the follow-up of advanced epithelioid sarcoma.