Primary synovial sarcoma of the kidney: a case report with literature review

Primary Synovial Sarcoma of the Kidney: Diagnostic Approach and Therapeutic Modalities for a Rare Nosological Entity

Synovial sarcoma (SS) is a rare mesenchymal entity that represents 5–10% among soft tissue sarcomas (STS). Primary renal synovial sarcoma (PRSS) is an uncommon, rapidly growing tumor, with potential metastatic dissemination. The main prognostic factors of PRSS include tumor size and histologic grade, while translocation t (X; 18) (p11.2; q11.2) (fusion of SYT gene -chromosome 18- with SSX genes (1, 2 or 4)-chromosome X) is the most common pathognomonic sign. Aggressive surgical resection of the tumor along with concomitant regional lymphadenectomy is the treatment of choice for PRSS, while additional en bloc resection of the adjacent affected organs is often performed. To date, the role of preoperative or postoperative chemotherapy remains equivocal. The prognosis of patients with PRSS is poor, as the 5-year survival rate is only 20–30% and further deteriorates when a high mitotic activity is detected. Local recurrence even after complete R0 surgical excision remains the most frequent cause of death. The aim of this review was to meticulously discuss clinical features, histogenesis, and morphological and immunochemical findings of PRSS, while the role of current diagnostic and therapeutic management of this aggressive neoplasm was emphasized.

Primary Renal Synovial Sarcoma and Clinical and Pathological Findings: a Systematic Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To update epidemiological, diagnostic, and therapeutic information on primary synovial sarcoma of the kidney.

RECENT FINDINGS

A total of 96 studies were analyzed; age at presentation was 38.6±14.2 years, predominant location of tumor was right kidney; frequent reported symptoms at diagnosis were hematuria and pain. For definitive diagnosis, cytogenetic technique was used. Detected oncogene was available in 37.8% cases with fusion of SS18-SSX in most patients. Surgery is treatment of choice, with adjuvant chemotherapy; most frequently ifosfamide-based associated with doxorubicin or epirubicin. Overall median survival was 34 months. Mortality was 29% of the cases which reported death and the recurrence rate was 39.8%. Risk of death was increased in patients with metastases at diagnosis Primary RSS occurs more often in young men. RSS often presents with symptoms and in an advanced stage. Surgical treatment is the most commonly used and chemotherapy for advanced or recurrent treatment.

Primary synovial sarcoma of the kidney: a case report of complete pathological response at a Lebanese tertiary care center

Background

Primary synovial sarcoma of the kidney is a rare type of soft tissue sarcoma. Its presenting features can resemble those of other renal tumors; rendering its early diagnosis, a dilemma. Several cases of renal synovial sarcoma have been reported in the literature with varying treatment options and outcomes. This article describes a rare case of primary renal synovial sarcoma and reviews all cases in the literature.

Case presentation

A 26-year-old male presented with flank pain and hematuria. Initially diagnosed with Wilm’s tumor, revision of pathology and histology, along with the immunohistochemical profile, confirmed, nevertheless, the diagnosis of primary monophasic synovial sarcoma of the kidney with the SYT-SSX2 fusion transcript. Follow-up, post nephrectomy, revealed recurrence within the lungs and at the surgical bed. Surgical resection followed by adjuvant chemotherapy regimen constituting of Doxorubicin and Ifosfamide, achieved complete pathological response.

Conclusion

In this case report, we emphasize the need for accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment. We propose multimodality treatment approach including surgery along with anthracycline-based chemotherapy to induce complete remission.

Renal Synovial Sarcoma in a Young Pregnant Lady: A Case Report and Clinico-Pathological Profile

Synovial sarcoma is a soft tissue neoplasm with clearly defined histologic, immunohistochemical and molecular features. These tumours usually arise in the extremities of young adults. Their occurrence in the kidney is extremely rare. A 25-year-old pregnant lady in her first trimester was incidentally found to have a left renal mass on perinatal ultrasonography. MRI showed a well encapsulated, heterointense mass replacing the left kidney. Following medical termination of her pregnancy, a radical nephrectomy was performed. Histopathology revealed a primary synovial cell sarcoma of the kidney. Postoperatively, she received ifosfamide based adjuvant chemotherapy. This report highlights the challenges involved in the diagnosis of this extremely rare neoplasm. A high index of clinical suspicion, complimented by the use of immunohistochemistry and cytogenetics during histopathological analysis aide in the diagnosis. Aggressive management with a combination of complete surgical extirpation and chemotherapy gives the best results.

Primary renal synovial sarcoma: computed tomography imaging findings

BACKGROUND

A synovial sarcoma arising from the kidney is extremely rare. To date, few data are available on their radiological features.

PURPOSE

To identify the computer tomography (CT) imaging findings of primary renal synovial sarcomas (PRSSs).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Five cases of PRSS confirmed by histopathological and cytogenetic studies were retrospectively analyzed. All patients had undergone unenhanced and multiphase enhanced CT examinations (one patient underwent CT twice). The CT characteristics, including shape, size, margin, attenuation, and enhancement pattern after intravenous contrast medium injection, were analyzed.

RESULTS

The study involved two female and three male patients (mean age, 27.4 years; range, 15-43 years). Unenhanced CT showed completely or partly well-defined masses, with heterogeneous (n = 5) or homogeneous (n = 1) patchy low density. On multiphase contrast-enhanced CT, in five of the six CT examinations, the tumors appeared as solid-cystic masses with cyst walls or pseudo-capsules, and demonstrated moderately heterogeneous (n = 5) and/or septate enhancement (n = 2), with a "rapid wash-in and slow wash-out" pattern of enhancement in the solid component. Only one tumor showed a simple cyst appearance and developed an irregular, intratumoral, septate soft density 8 months later. A renal vein and inferior vena cava thrombus was noticed in one patient, while lymphadenopathy was not observed in any patient.

CONCLUSION

PRSS should be included in the differential diagnosis when an adolescent or young adult presents with a renal neoplasm appearing as a solid-cystic mass with well-defined borders, a cystic wall or pseudo-capsule, heterogeneous or septate enhancement, a "rapid wash-in and slow wash-out" pattern of enhancement in the solid component, and no sign of lymphadenopathy.

The value of immunohistochemistry in diagnosing primary renal synovial sarcoma: a case report and literature review

Primary synovial sarcoma of the kidney is rare and difficult to diagnose with 100% accuracy without the use of up-to-date histopathologic methods. Immunohistochemical procedures are well established and are continuously expanding and improving. Currently, these methods are successful in up to 90% of tumor identification. The remaining cases will ultimately benefit by combining immunohistochemistry with tumor-specific genetic marker identifiers, the latter of which are increasing in availability for tumor diagnosis. The principal immunohistochemical methods enlisted in establishing a diagnosis of primary renal synovial sarcoma are summarized.

Clinical and pathological features of primary renal synovial sarcoma: analysis of 64 cases from 11 years of medical literature

OBJECTIVE

To describe, for the first time, the clinical characteristics of primary renal synovial sarcoma (SS) and to examine the association of histological features with the expression of immunohistochemical markers.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We collated published data on all cases of primary renal SS, from its first description in 2000 to September 2011. Data on clinical and pathological characteristics were extracted and used to create a database. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method with Rothman's 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and compared across the groups using the log-rank test. The associations between tumour extension and histological features were evaluated using the non-parametric Spearman rank test. A chi-squared test was used to assess the differences between groups.

RESULTS

In the overall cohort, the median OS was 48 months (95% CI, 14.1-81.9). Cox analysis showed that the risk of death at diagnosis was greatly increased in patients with metastatic disease compared with those with non-metastatic disease (hazard ratio [HR]: 343.9, 95% CI, 2.8-42,000; P= 0.017). The median DFS was 33.0 months (95% CI, 16.8-49.2), and patients who develop metastatic disease have a very poor prognosis with a median survival of 6 months (95% CI, 5.1-6.9). Microscopic features were monophasic, biphasic and poorly differentiated synovial sarcoma in 76, 16 and 8% of patients, respectively. Significant differences in expression of immunohistochemical markers or genetic mutation were found between different subtypes.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite its retrospective nature, this study shows that renal SS comprises different histological subtypes, which are characterized by specific immunohistochemical stains and by specific translocations. When diagnosed at metastatic stage, the prognosis was very poor compared with that for non-metastatic disease, even though one out of three patients with non-metastatic disease had disease relapse. Cooperative efforts and publication of cases with adequate follow-up are necessary to better define prognosis and therapeutic strategies for this rare disease.

Pediatric and adult primary sarcomas of the kidney: a cross-sectional imaging review

There is a wide pathological spectrum of kidney sarcomas that show characteristic histology, ontogeny, and clinical-biological behavior. While leiomyosarcomas commonly arise from the capsule, solitary fibrous tumors and clear cell sarcomas typically show renal sinus and medullary epicenter, respectively. Although distribution and imaging findings of some sarcomas may be characteristic, definitive diagnosis warrants histopathological examination following surgery. Renal sarcomas manifest advanced disease at presentation and portend poor prognosis.

Primary renal synovial sarcoma

Synovial sarcomas are generally deep-seated tumors that most often occur in the proximity of large joints of adolescents and young adults. We describe two cases of primary renal synovial sarcoma that were treated successfully by radical nephrectomy. Synovial sarcoma originating from the kidney is extremely rare and the histogenesis is uncertain. Surgical resection and ifosfamide based chemotherapy are the mainstay for the management of renal synovial sarcoma. Fewer than 40 patients have been described in the English literature. Physicians should be aware of the possibility of malignancy in cystic renal masses and raise the suspicion of synovial sarcoma, especially when patients with renal masses are a young adult.

A case of renal synovial sarcoma treated with adjuvant ifosfamide and doxorubicin

Primary renal synovial sarcomas (SS) are rare tumors of the kidney. Faria et al first described primary renal synovial sarcoma in 1999 (Mod Pathol 12:94A). In this paper we present a primary renal synovial sarcoma case and review the 41 primary renal synovial sarcoma cases reported to date. Primary renal synovial sarcomas can exist in either a monophasic or a biphasic pattern. The monophasic variant of primary renal synovial sarcoma is more common and tends to have a better prognosis than the biphasic variant. We present in this paper, a 68-year-old woman with primary renal synovial sarcoma. She presented with right flank pain and abdominal distention. Postoperative pathology of the 20 cm mass on magnetic resonance imaging showed histologic and immunochemical features of synovial sarcoma with coexisting spindle and epithelial cells. She underwent adjuvant ifosfamide and doxorubicin chemotherapy and was free of disease at 1 year after diagnosis. As a conclusion, physicians should be aware of the possibility of malignancy in cystic renal masses and that synovial sarcoma is one of the possibilities.

Primary synovial sarcoma of the kidney

Primary synovial sarcoma arising from the kidney is extremely rare. We report two cases with primary renal synovial sarcoma. Both were initially diagnosed as renal cell carcinoma. The first case was a 30-year-old woman who presented with right flank soreness. Ultrasonography disclosed a multiloculated cystic tumor measuring 9 x 7 cm. She underwent hand-assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy; there was no recurrence during 15 months of follow-up. The second case was a 49-year-old woman who presented with a palpable mass in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen of 1 month's duration. Computed tomography showed a heterogeneously enhanced tumor measuring 13 x 11 cm at the left retroperitoneum with displacement of the pancreas and the left kidney. Hand-assisted retroperitoneoscopic radical nephrectomy was performed. She had no evidence of recurrence after 27 months of follow-up. Pathology of the two cases showed histologic and immunochemical features of synovial sarcoma with coexisting spindle and epithelial cells. Physicians should be aware of the possibility of malignancy in cystic renal masses and that synovial sarcoma is one of the possibilities.

Primary synovial sarcoma of the kidney with rhabdoid features

Synovial sarcoma is a soft tissue sarcoma with clearly defined histologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular features. It occurs predominantly in the extremities of young adults but has been reported in many other anatomic sites. Histologically, it is classified as biphasic, monophasic, and poorly differentiated. The latter category, which includes tumors with a rhabdoid morphology, has been associated with a more aggressive behavior. Generally, the biphasic variant does not pose any diagnostic problem because of its typical histologic appearance; in contrast, the monophasic and poorly differentiated variants may represent a diagnostic challenge because their microscopic features can be confused with those of other spindle cell tumors with rhabdoid features. The application of molecular techniques, such as reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction to detect the fusion transcript associated with the characteristic t(X;18) translocation of synovial sarcoma, has enabled the confirmation of this diagnosis, even in cases of unusual localization, such as the one we present here.

Primary synovial sarcoma of the kidney: corroboration with in situ polymerase chain reaction

Synovial sarcoma is a tumor of the soft tissues with a unique chromosomal translocation t(X;18)(p 11.2;q11.2) that can be detected by polymerase chain reaction in tissue homogenates. The case of a 32-year-old woman with a primary synovial sarcoma of the kidney is described, the diagnosis was corroborated by the recently developed method of in situ polymerase chain reaction (IS-PCR). Synovial sarcoma of the kidney may be confused with other spindle cell tumors, for that reason IS-PCR may be useful to confirm the diagnosis in paraffin-embedded material.

Synovial sarcoma with radiological appearances of primitive neuroectodermal tumour/Ewing sarcoma: differentiation by molecular genetic studies

Synovial sarcoma (SS) arises in soft tissues but may invade adjacent bone. We describe a case of SS presenting as aggressive lysis of the proximal ulna, the imaging of which suggested a primary bone lesion. Needle biopsy showed a "small round blue cell tumour", and a primitive neuroectodermal tumour (PNET)/Ewing sarcoma was suggested on the basis of the imaging appearances. The definitive diagnosis of synovial sarcoma was made following molecular genetic studies, which demonstrated a fusion product incorporating the genes SYT and SSX1. The importance of correct diagnosis to guide appropriate management, and, therefore, the necessity for molecular genetic studies, is discussed.

Renal cystic diseases: a review

This review aims to assist in the categorization of inherited, developmental, and acquired cystic disease of the kidney as well as to provide a pertinent, up-to-date bibliography. The conditions included are autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease, autosomal-recessive polycystic kidney disease, unilateral renal cystic disease (localized cystic disease), renal simple cysts, multicystic dysplastic kidney, pluricystic kidney of the multiple malformation syndromes, juvenile nephronophthisis and medullary cystic disease, medullary sponge kidney, primary glomerulocystic kidney disease, and glomerulocystic kidney associated with several systemic disorders mainly of genetic or chromosomal etiology, cystic kidney in tuberous sclerosis, and in von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, cystic nephroma, cystic variant of congenital mesoblastic nephroma, mixed epithelial stromal tumor of the kidney, renal lymphangioma, pyelocalyceal cyst, peripylic cyst and perinephric pseudocyst, acquired renal cystic disease of long-term dialysis, and cystic renal cell carcinoma and sarcoma. Whereas the gross and histologic appearance of some of these conditions may be diagnostic, clinical and sometimes molecular studies may be necessary to define other types.

Primary synovial sarcoma of the kidney

Primary renal synovial sarcomas (SS) are rare tumors of the kidney. Faria first described primary renal synovial sarcoma in 1999. Twenty-one cases of primary renal synovial sarcoma have been reported to date. Primary renal synovial sarcomas can exist in either a monophasic or a biphasic pattern. The monophasic variant of primary renal synovial sarcoma is more common and tends to have a better prognosis than the biphasic variant. We present the case of a 61 year-old woman with a monophasic variant of primary renal synovial sarcoma.

Bilateral metastatic renal synovial sarcoma

Synovial sarcoma is a malignant soft-tissue neoplasm, usually arising in close association with the joints and generally carrying a poor prognosis. We describe the first report of bilateral renal metastases from synovial sarcoma in a long-term survivor. Treatment consisted of systemic therapy with bilateral partial nephrectomies. The patient was disease free at 1 year of follow-up.