Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma of the pleura: clinical and radiologic features

A case of primary pleural epithelioid hemangioendothelioma achieving stable disease with paclitaxel treatment: A case report and literature review

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare vascular neoplasm with a clinical behaviour that falls between a benign hemangioma and a high-grade angiosarcoma. Pleural EHE is exceptionally rare, and its prognosis is grim, with most patients experiencing survival of less than 1 year. Here, we present a case of pleural EHE in a 45-year-old woman with a month-long history of right-sided pleuritic chest pain. Chest computed tomography revealed consolidation, atelectasis of the right lung, right pleural thickening, and pleural effusion. She underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for decortication and was diagnosed with conclusively pleural EHE, showing a CAMTA1 rearrangement. Paclitaxel treatment, administered once weekly on days 1, 8 and 15 of a 28-day cycle, resulted in a stable disease after 12 cycles. Managing patients with pleural EHE is challenging because there are still no established standard treatments. Our case achieved 11-month progression-free survival following paclitaxel treatment.

Pleural epithelioid hemangioendothelioma in a 39-Year-old female: a case report

BACKGROUND

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare malignancy of vascular origin which can be primarily be seen in various tissues. EHE originating from the pleura is an even more uncommon subtype which may mimic mesothelioma and pleural carcinomatosis. The prognosis of pleural EHE is poor and there is no consensus on the optimal therapeutic approach.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 39-year-old middle-eastern female presented with progressive dyspnea and left shoulder discomfort. Chest computed tomography scan revealed a left side pleural effusion and pleural thickening. Pleuroscopy was done and biopsies were taken which were positive for CD31, CD34, CK, factor 8-R-antigen, and vimentin. Patient was diagnosed with pleural epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (PEHE) and chemotherapy was started and underwent extrapleural pneumonectomy 7 months later. Unfortunately, the patient passed away 10 months after diagnosis due to disease complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Once PEHE is suspected in histology it can be confirmed with immunohistochemistry. Chemotherapy, surgery or a combination of both is currently used as the treatment but the standard treatment remains a question.

Mesenchymal tumours of the pleura: review and update

Primary mesenchymal tumours of the pleura are uncommon and can be diagnostically challenging due to their overlapping histopathologic and immunophenotypic features. Herein we discuss selected mesenchymal tumours of the pleura, including solitary fibrous tumour, calcifying fibrous tumour, desmoid fibromatosis, synovial sarcoma, schwannoma, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour, follicular dendritic cell sarcoma, epithelioid hemangioendothelioma, and desmoplastic small round cell tumour. We review their clinicopathologic characteristics, along with an update on the relevant immunohistochemical and molecular features.

Vascular Malformations and Tumors: A Review of Classification and Imaging Features for Cardiothoracic Radiologists

The International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA) classification is a comprehensive histology-based scheme that was updated in 2018. It is important for cardiothoracic imagers to understand this classification to ensure that accurate terminology is used and that archaic terms are avoided when vascular lesions are described. Knowledge of the various malformations (including common conditions, such as venous malformation, arteriovenous fistula, and arteriovenous malformation) and vascular tumors allows for timely diagnosis and appropriate management. This review describes various vascular anomalies, in accordance with ISSVA classification and terminology; highlights key imaging features associated with each; and discusses the role of different imaging modalities. Keywords: Pulmonary, Soft Tissues/Skin, Vascular, Arteriovenous Malformation © RSNA, 2023.

Primary epithelioid hemangioendotheliomas and angiosarcomas of the pleura: a clinicopathological and immunohistochemical analysis of 13 cases

Thirteen cases of primary epithelioid hemangioendotheliomas (EHE) and epithelioid angiosarcomas (EA) of the pleura are presented. The patients were 7 men and 6 women between the ages of 34 and 65 years (mean: 47 years). The patients presented with non-specific symptoms of cough, dyspnea, and chest pain. Diagnostic imaging revealed the presence of either diffuse pleural thickening or pleural nodules involving the serosal surfaces. Open surgical biopsies were obtained in all cases. Histologically, eight tumors were characterized by the presence of a cellular proliferation composed of medium-sized epithelioid cells embedded in a myxohyaline stroma and a variable spindle cell component. Cellular atypia was mild to moderate and mitotic activity ranged from 1 to 2 per 2 mm2. Immunohistochemical stains for vascular markers, including CAMTA1 were positive, confirming a diagnosis of EHE. Five cases of epithelioid angiosarcomas were characterized by a neoplastic cellular proliferation admixed with areas of necrosis and hemorrhage and characterized by medium-sized epithelioid to spindle-shaped cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm, round to oval nuclei and prominent nucleoli. In addition, marked cytologic atypia and a mitotic activity ranging from 3 to 5 per 2 mm2 were identified. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated positive staining for vascular markers; however, CAMTA1 was negative. Clinical follow-up obtained in eleven cases showed that all patients had died within 30 months post diagnosis. The current study highlights that even though it may be important to histologically separate EHE from EA for academic purposes, primary pleural origin of these tumors appears to portent an aggressive clinical behavior.

Pleural Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma (EHE): A Case Report

Pleural epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare malignancy of vascular origin. It can affect various organs; pleural involvement is rare and lack of suspicion leads to delay in diagnosis. We present a case of pleural EHE with metastasis to lung parenchyma that presents with chest pain and dyspnea. Chest imaging showed loculated pleural effusion, pleural thickening, mediastinal lymphadenopathy, and pulmonary nodules.

Pleural Neoplasms-What Could MRI Change?

The primary pleural neoplasms constitute around 10% of the pleural tumors. The currently recommended method for their imaging is CT which has been shown to have certain limitations. Strong development of the MRI within the last two decades has provided us with a number of sequences that could potentially be superior to CT when it comes to the pleural malignancies' detection and characterization. This literature review discusses the possible applications of the MRI as a diagnostic tool in patients with pleural neoplasms. Although selected MRI techniques have been shown to have a number of advantages over CT, further research is required in order to confirm the obtained results, broaden our knowledge on the topic, and pinpoint the sequences most optimal for pleural imaging, as well as the best methods for reading and analysis of the obtained data.

Primary malignant epithelioid hemangioendothelioma of the pleura: A review and report of a novel case

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma is considered an uncommon tumor originating from vascular tissues. Although this disease is an extremely rare malignant cancer, its pleural subtype is even less common. We discuss a 68‐year‐old man with isolated pleural epithelioid hemangioendothelioma, along with a literature review of all similar cases.

Primary pleural epithelioid hemangioendothelioma: case report and review of the literature

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is an extremely rare vascular sarcoma with an unpredictable clinical behavior. Pleural EHEs have been associated with poor response to treatment and reduced survival. To date, no standard treatment for EHE is available. Here we report the case of a 53-year-old man who underwent radical surgery for a symptomatic primary pleural EHE. Clinical presentation was characterized by chronic pain in the left hemithorax with transitory flare, anemia, weight loss and progressive worsening of clinical conditions. After surgery, he resumed active life and normal daily activities and, at 8 months, 18F-FDG PET and computed tomography scan showed no radiological evidence of recurrent disease. Clinical signs of this rare disease, histological features, imaging findings and functional imaging are discussed. We also report a summary of other cases with resected pleural EHE and we briefly review the role of chemotherapeutic, immunomodulatory and antiangiogenic drugs for advanced disease.

Primary Pleural Hemangioendothelioma: A Case Report and Literature Review

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare tumor of the vascular endothelial cells. It can originate from any tissue; however, it occurs most frequently in the liver and lung. Pleural epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (PEH), EHE developing from pleura, is even more infrequent and less reported in the literature. In the following report, we discuss a 40-year-old man who initially presented with right-sided chest pain. Computed tomography revealed pleural thickening and effusion in his right thoracic cavity. PEH diagnosis was confirmed with immunohistochemistry. In order to provide the readers with an inclusive understanding of the disease, we collected the PEH cases reported in the literature. Despite the scarcity of the reported PEH cases (to our best knowledge), the compiled literature review of the disease enables the readers to grasp a better comprehension of the disease.

Tumor and tumorlike conditions of the pleura and juxtapleural region: review of imaging findings

Pleural lesions form a diagnostic challenge for the radiologist. Whereas lesions can be initially detected on chest radiographs, CT and MRI imaging are the imaging modalities of choice for further characterization. In a number of cases, imaging findings can be relatively specific. In general unfortunately, imaging findings are rather aspecific. Evolution and extrathoracic imaging findings are important clues toward the diagnosis.

The Staging of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Staging of malignant pleural mesothelioma has been challenging because of a paucity of cases and poor survival. At least 5 staging systems were proposed before 1990 until the first consensus system was published in 1995. This system used tumor, node, metastasis designations and borrowed heavily from parenchymal lung cancer descriptors. With the establishment of a database to collect cases from 1995 to 2013, evidence-based revisions to the 1995 staging classification were published in 2016. With improving imaging technology, clinical staging will become more refined and, it is hoped, more useful for prognostication even without operative resection.

A Review of the Spectrum of Imaging Manifestations of Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to review the spectrum of imaging manifestations of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma across different organ systems and briefly describe its current treatment strategies. CONCLUSION. Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma is a rare, locally invasive neoplasm with metastatic potential. Although most commonly occurring in liver, lungs, and bones, it can also present at multiple other sites. Because of its nonspecific clinical and imaging manifestations, it is often misdiagnosed. The possibility of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma must be considered in the presence of a slowly growing mass that invades adjacent structures. Imaging can help plan percutaneous biopsy, detect sites of disease, and identify poor prognostic factors.

Pleural epithelioid hemangioendothelioma mimicking pleural empyema: A case report

Malignant pleural effusion is an important and difficult differential diagnosis to pleural empyema. Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma is an uncommon vascular tumor, which typically occurs in liver, lung or bone. We present an extremely rare case of primary pleural epithelioid hemangioendothelioma mimicking pleural empyema. We conclude, that pleural epithelioid hemangioendothelioma should be kept in mind as a differential diagnosis in patients suspected of empyema.

The Diagnosis of Pleural Tumors Other Than Mesothelioma

CONTEXT

- Pleural pathology has been dominated by discussions relating to the diagnosis, prognosis, etiology, and management of malignant mesothelioma. However, there exists a diverse group of other neoplasms that involve the pleura; the most common by far is metastatic carcinoma, usually of pulmonary origin. Other metastatic tumors of varied histogenesis do occur but are less common. Primary pleural neoplasms other than diffuse malignant mesothelioma are either uncommon or rare and have received less attention.

OBJECTIVE

- To provide a review of those diverse tumors that can involve the pleura other than mesothelioma in order to facilitate their accurate diagnosis.

DATA SOURCES

- Review of relevant literature published via PubMed and other search engines.

CONCLUSIONS

- A wide variety of tumors can involve the pleura. In most cases, the approach of considering the morphologic features with appropriate immunohistochemistry, in the correct clinical context, allows for a confident diagnosis. For a number of those soft tissue tumors that are well recognized in the pleura, such as solitary fibrous tumor, desmoid-type fibromatosis, synovial sarcoma, and epithelioid hemangioendothelioma, novel markers now exist based on an understanding of the individual tumors' molecular characteristics. Primary pleural lymphomas are rare with poor prognosis. They represent localized specific diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, with either post-germinal center B-cell or plasma cell lineage, arising in the context of either immunodeficiency or immune sequestration and with viral infection.

Imaging findings in epithelioid hemangioendothelioma

PURPOSE-OBJECTIVE

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare vascular malignancy with varying biologic behavior. The purpose of this study was to identify imaging findings most characteristic of EHE.

METHODS

Retrospective review of clinical and imaging records in patients referred to our Vascular Anomalies Center over a 17 year period with biopsy proven EHE.

RESULTS

We evaluated 29 patients (17 F) with median age of 16 years (range 2-76 y). The most common presenting symptoms were pain (n = 13) and palpable mass (n = 7). 22 (70%) had multifocal disease. Most common sites of involvement were lung (n = 25), liver (n = 16), bone (n = 12), soft tissue (n = 3) and lymph nodes (n = 1). Of patients with single site disease, 3 had lung, 3 liver, and 1 had bone lesions. In 18/25 with lung disease, there were multiple nodules of varying sizes and characteristics. In 14/16 with hepatic disease there were multiple nodules with predominantly peripheral distribution. Subcapsular retraction was seen in 10/16 and a "lollipop" sign (hepatic or portal vein tapering at the edge of a well-defined hypoenhancing lesion) identified in 5/16. Of 12 osseous lesions, 11 were lytic, 8 involved vertebrae and 9 involved the axial skeleton.

CONCLUSION

EHE has varied imaging findings. The most common sites are lungs, liver, and bone, with multi-organ involvement seen in most. Lung disease is most commonly characterized by multiple nodules. Hepatic lesions demonstrate the most distinctive findings, with peripheral distribution, lack of early enhancement, subcapsular retraction and "lollipop" sign. Osseous lesions are commonly lytic and more prevalent in the axial skeleton.

Pleural Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma: A Case Report and Literature Review

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare neoplasm of vascular origin that can arise in multiple and varied tissue sites. Pleural epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (PEH), a subtype of EHE, is particularly less reported. Herein, we describe a case of PEH presented with left-sided back pain in a 68-year-old female, and her chest CT scan revealed thickening of the left pleura and left pleural effusion, the histological diagnosis was confirmed by both conventional examination and immunohistochemistry. A literature search utilizing PubMed, Embase, Ovid and Cochrane, Wanfang and Chinese National Knowledge infrastructure (CNKI) for PEH was conducted to investigate the characteristics of the disease, 26 related articles were retrieved and 40 cases of PEH were reported. According to available literature, the average age at presentation is 51.8 years and the disease occurred more often in men than women. The etiology of the disease remained unknown. Chest pain, cough, and dyspnea were the common symptoms. Computed tomography usually revealed pleural effusion and pleural thickening. Histological examinations revealed mainly epithelioid cells. Immunohistochemical stains were positive for vascular endothelial markers. PEH tends to have more aggressive behavior than tumors in other locations, thus effective treatment has not yet been established until now. Further studies are needed to analyze the prognostic factors, clinical features and treatment of PEH.

New Insights about Pulmonary Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma: Review of the Literature and Two Case Reports

Pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (PEH) is a rare neoplasm of vascular origin. There are three different major imaging patterns identified in thoracic manifestation of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma: (1) multiple pulmonary nodules; (2) multiple pulmonary reticulonodular opacities; and (3) diffuse infiltrative pleural thickening. Radiographically, presence of bilateral multiple nodules is the most common pattern of presentation. The diagnosis is made on the basis of histopathological findings and confirmed by positive immunohistochemistry staining. Although the prognostic factors for PEH have not yet been well established, a better prognosis is usually associated with the multinodular pattern. We report two different imagological presentations of this rare disease, based on two institutional experiences, along with a review of the relevant literature.

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma in the thorax: Clinicopathologic, CT, PET, and prognostic features

Little is known about prognostic factors in epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE). We aimed to identify prognostic factors among various clinicopathologic and imaging features of thoracic EHEs.Forty-two patients (male:female = 20:22; median age, 49 years) of EHEs with (n = 19) and without (n = 23) thoracic involvement were included. We reviewed electronic medical records for clinical information and computed tomography (CT) features for thoracic involvement. Differences in demographics and survival outcomes of patients with and without thoracic involvement were assessed. We also estimated overall survival.The most common pattern of thoracic involvement was multiple pulmonary nodules (n = 10), followed by parenchymal tumor with pleural invasion (n = 4), reticulonodular opacities (n = 3), and diffuse pleural thickening (n = 2). No significant difference in survival was found between the thoracic EHE group and nonthoracic EHE group (P = 0.68). Among 4 different thoracic involvement types, the lung multinodular pattern tended to demonstrate longer median survival (8.5 months) than other patterns, whereas the shortest median survival (1 month) was observed for the nodule/mass with pleural involvement pattern (P = 0.038).CT manifestations of thoracic EHEs are classified into 4 patterns, of which lung multinodular pattern is associated with longer survival. Survival is not different between patients with and without thoracic involvement.

Novel MR Imaging Applications for Pleural evaluation

Computed tomography is the first-line modality for evaluation of chest diseases primarily because of its spatial resolution. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is used as a problem-solving tool to answer key questions that are vital to optimal patient management. MR has the potential to provide qualitative, quantitative, anatomic, and functional information without the use of ionizing radiation or nephrotoxic contrast administration. With new advances in proton MR techniques, MR imaging can overcome some of the inherent problems associated with imaging the lung. This article describes novel MR applications for evaluation of the pleura and pleural diseases.

Spontaneous bilateral haemothorax as presentation of primary pleural epithelioid haemangioendothelioma

Pleural epithelioid haemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare tumour that originates in the vascular endothelium with an intermediate degree of malignancy between haemangioma and angiosarcoma. Smoking and asbestos exposure are unproven risk factors and diagnosis is usually confirmed by thoracoscopy, since pleural fluid (PF) cytology is often not conclusive. Immunohistochemistry can also help to confirm the diagnosis. We report an 85-year-old patient with bilateral pleural EHE diagnosed by thoracoscopy, who debuted with a spontaneous bilateral haemothorax, the second described so far, and we conducted a thorough review of the literature to describe the clinical, radiological and prognostic features, as well as the PF, of this rare tumour.

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma in pleural effusion

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare mesenchymal tumor of vascular origin with variable morphological features and unpredictable biological behavior. EHE occasionally involves the pleural fluid. However, the cytomorphology of EHE found in pleural fluid has not been well characterized in the literature. Herein we describe a case of EHE, initially presenting as multiple liver lesions plus several small nodular densities at the bases of the lungs followed by bilateral pleural effusions.

Pleural epithelioid hemangioendothelioma: literature summary and novel case report

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare malignant cancer of vascular origin that can affect multiple and varied tissue sites. A subtype of EHE, pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (PHE), is more unusual with only 200 reported cases. Of these, only 27 have been classified as pleural in origin. Based on available literature, the average age of presentation of pleural PHE is 45.7 years with a male preponderance of 2.375. A summary of all published case reports reveals significant heterogeneity both in presentation and management. Here we add to this knowledge-base with a report of an unusual case of pleural PHE in a 36-year-old female who presented with a 6-week history of chest pain and breathlessness. Significant challenges in the diagnosis and management of patients with pleural PHE exist, including a wide initial differential diagnosis and difficulties in obtaining tissue specimens, coupled with relatively limited treatment options. Early referral to a cardiothoracic center for video-assisted thoracoscopic biopsy is crucial in facilitating a diagnosis and allowing adequate pleural drainage for symptomatic relief.

Primary pleural epithelioid hemangioendothelioma mimicking as a posterior mediastinal tumor

A 41-year-old man with no previous asbestos exposure presented with 6 months of dull right lower chest pain and weight loss. The initial computed tomography (CT) scan was reported as showing a soft tissue thickening in the posterior mediastinum with non-specific nodules in the horizontal and oblique fissures. An endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration from the 12 × 25 mm heterogeneous posterior mediastinal mass was suspicious for a ganglioneuroma. The procedure was complicated by a large hemothorax requiring drainage. A subsequent positron emission tomographic CT revealed a moderately fluorodeoxyglucose avid area of pleural thickening extending from the sixth to ninth thoracic vertebral body in the paraspinal region along with nodules along the right horizontal and oblique fissures. A thoracoscopic biopsy of the pleural lesion confirmed a pleural epithelioid hemangioendothelioma. There was a 5-mm reduction in tumor thickness and improvement in his pain following 54 Gy of radiotherapy.

The computed tomographic findings of pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to analyse the computed tomographic (CT) findings of pulmonary epithelioid haemangioendothelioma (EHE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The CT features and clinical presentations of six patients (five women, one man; mean age, 53 years) with pathology-proven pulmonary EHE were reviewed. Noncontrast CT images were available for three patients and enhanced CT images for three patients. The image characteristics included the number of tumours, tumour location and size, tumour margins, the presence of calcification/necrosis/cavity, the presence of perivascular location, the presence of pleural lesions, tumour homogeneity at contrast-enhanced CT, tumour enhancement relative to the adjacent muscle and the presence of extrapulmonary lesions.

RESULTS

Multiple nodules/masses with irregular margin were shown in all cases, and reticulonodular opacities and ground-glass opacities were found in one case. Overall, the six cases showed 178 nodules/masses, 90 % (160/178) of which were <1 cm in diameter. The average size of the largest nodules/masses in each case was 2.7 cm. The nodules/masses were mostly (93 %, 166/178) located in the subpleural region (<2 cm from the pleura). A total of 48 % (86/178) of nodules/masses showed punctate calcification in four of six cases. All nodules/masses showed perivascular location. Pleural indentation was shown in all cases, as well as pleural-thickening in five cases and pleural effusion in two cases. On contrast-enhanced CT, EHE showed a mildly heterogeneous hyperdense appearance.

CONCLUSIONS

With predilection for subpleural and perivascular location, typical pulmonary EHE appears as multiple irregular nodules with punctate calcification and pleural indentation.

Pleural epithelioid hemangioendothelioma harboring CAMTA1 rearrangement

Pleural epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a very rare disease with adverse clinical outcomes. Recently, CAMTA1 rearrangement has been introduced as a consistent genetic abnormality in EHEs of different anatomical locations. We report a 71-year-old man with pleural EHE harboring CAMTA1 rearrangement confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization on paraffin embedded tissue.

Solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura: ultrasonographic imaging findings of 3 cases

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) of the pleura is a rare tumor of mesenchymal origin. Although radiographic findings of thoracic computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of SFTs of the pleura have been documented, the value of ultrasonography is uncertain. We presented the ultrasonographic findings of 3 pathologically proven cases of SFTs arising from the visceral pleura. In all the cases, thoracic ultrasonography demonstrated homogeneous, hypoechoic, hemicycle, extrapulmonary lesions, which showed respiratory movement with the adjacent lung, consistent with pedunculated tumors. Preoperative thoracic ultrasonography could be useful in the evaluation of patients with pleural tumors, especially SFTs.

Pleural epithelioid hemangioendothelioma in an elderly patient. A case report and review of the literature

Pleural epithelioid hemangioendothelioma is a really rare tumor of vascular origin and potentially aggressive behavior. We report the case of an 85 years old male patient diagnosed of pleural epithelioid hemangioendothelioma, taking advantage to review exhaustively literature and therapy for the disease.

Thoracic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma: imaging and pathologic features

The purpose of this article is to review the imaging features of thoracic epithelioid hemangioendotheliomas with pathologic correlation. The thoracic manifestation of epithelioid hemangioendotheliomas is one of three different CT patterns: multiple pulmonary nodules, multiple pulmonary reticulonodular opacities, or diffuse infiltrative pleural thickening. Without any evidence of histological malignancy, malignant features (multiplicity of pulmonary nodules, hepatic or bone involvement, lymphangitic tumor spread, and infiltrative pleural masses) are characteristic of these infrequent tumors.

[Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma of the pleura - A rare presentation of a clinical case]

Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a vascular tumour with rare pleural presentation. As there are a small number of cases described in the literature the authors present the case of a 65 -year -old woman, who was admitted to the Emergency Department for a right -sided chest pain, which progressed over 7 months, after a thoracic trauma. The chest X -ray showed signs of a moderate right -sided pleural effusion. A pleural -pulmonary biopsy carried out by toracotomy established the histological diagnosis of EHE of the pleura. Due to the locally advanced stage of the tumour, chemotherapy with carboplatin and etoposide was prescribed and the patient died 6 months later. This case confirms that pleural EHE has an aggressive behaviour, similar to an angiossarcoma, with a median survival of only a few months after diagnosis.

Primary pleural epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE)--two cases and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

We present two cases with symptoms of progressively worsening cough, dyspnea, decreased exercise tolerance and right-sided back pain in the first case and upper respiratory symptoms characterized by cough and a low grade fever in the second case.

METHODS

Report of two cases.

RESULTS

The initial chest X-ray in both the cases showed pleural effusion. Further imaging with computed tomography of the chest confirmed the effusion in both cases. Thoracentesis was done in both of them revealed an exudative effusion that did not reveal any infection or malignancy. Both cases underwent surgical biopsy and the diagnosis of primary pleural epithelioid hemangioendothelioma was made.

CONCLUSIONS

Both the cases had progressive clinical deterioration despite chemotherapy with Taxol and Bevacizumab in one case and carboplatin, etoposide, and bevacizumab, in the second case. Both developed metastatic disease to lungs and died.

[Pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma]

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma is a multifocal tumor that rarely metastasizes. It is difficult to diagnose and is most often an incidental finding in young asymptomatic women. It has a heterogeneous radiologic pattern. The most important diagnostic information is histologic confirmation of Weibel-Palade bodies or immunohistochemistry based on specific tumor markers such as factor VIII and CD34. We report the case of a 73-year-old woman in whom multiple pulmonary nodules detected by chance in a radiograph were subsequently diagnosed as epithelioid hemangioendothelioma.

Cardiac tamponade caused by epithelioid haemangioendothelioma

Epithelioid haemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a tumour of vascular endothelial origin. The rarity of EHE has limited the complete understanding of the disease. Here, a unique case of EHE complicated with cardiac tamponade with an unusual initial presentation, scoliosis, is reported. The discordant findings between a Tc99m bone scan and 2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron emission tomography (FDP PET) also serve to impart another lesson about investigating bone metastasis in EHE.

Pleural epithelioid hemangioendothelioma

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare tumor of vascular origin. While it can be found in any tissue, it is most often found in lung and liver and usually has an intermediate behavior. EHEs originating from pleural tissue have been less frequently described than those from other sites. Furthermore, to date, all of the cited pleural EHEs were described as highly aggressive. In the present report, we describe a rare case of pleural EHE extending to lung and bone in a 31-year-old woman. The histological diagnosis was confirmed by both conventional examination and immunohistochemistry. Her disease stabilized during the 4th course of adriamycin (45 mg/m(2), day 1-3), dacarbazine (300 mg/m(2), day 1-3) and ifosfamide (2,500 mg/m(2), day 1-3) with mesna, and she survived for 10 months after the diagnosis.

Primary pleural neoplasia: entities other than diffuse malignant mesothelioma

CONTEXT

Overwhelmingly, the most common neoplasm involving the pleura is metastatic carcinoma. In contrast, diffuse malignant mesothelioma occurs relatively rarely; however, it is nonetheless the most common neoplasm primary to the pleura. Metastatic carcinoma and diffuse malignant mesothelioma each have their own prognostic and therapeutic characteristics. Other primary pleural neoplasms occur uncommonly or rarely, with their own prognostic and therapeutic characteristics.

OBJECTIVE

To review primary pleural neoplasms other than diffuse malignant mesothelioma, to better ensure correct diagnosis and optimal assessment of prognosis and treatment.

DATA SOURCES

Literature review and primary material from the authors' institutions.

CONCLUSIONS

A nonexhaustive group of uncommon to rare benign and malignant primary pleural neoplasms--other than diffuse malignant mesothelioma--are presented, of which one must be aware in order to maintain an appropriate index of suspicion to include them in the differential diagnosis of a pleural tumor.

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma with multiple organ involvement

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma is a rare vascular neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential. Various reports document metastatic or concurrent epithelioid hemangioendothelioma in several sites, most commonly with combined lung and liver involvement. The concurrent involvement of multiple sites at presentation may cause diagnostic problems because epithelioid hemangioendothelioma can mimic other neoplastic processes. Although it is a chemo-resistant disease, chemotherapy is usually advised for patients with metastatic or concurrent involvement. Here we document the presentation, treatment, and outcome of two cases with concurrent involvement of the lung and liver.

Primary pleural epithelioid hemangioendothelioma with rhabdoid phenotype: report and review of the literature

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare malignant vascular tumor described in diverse locations including lung and liver. Relative to these sites, primary EHE of the serous cavities is uncommon. EHE in the serous cavities mimics mesothelioma and adenocarcinoma clinically, radiographically, cytologically, and histologically. EHEs have plasmacytoid epithelioid cells with cytoplasmic vacuoles. In addition to these features, we noted eccentric nuclei with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm and nuclei displaced peripherally by globular cytoplasmic inclusions imparting a "rhabdoid" phenotype. These cells were often seen surrounding a hyaline core. Rhabdoid features are not unique to a single entity, and a comprehensive immunohistochemical panel is essential. We report the occurrence of pleural EHE with rhabdoid features presenting in a pleural effusion, and review the literature of primary serosal EHEs.

[Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma of the lung (IVBAT)--clinicopathological and immunohistochemical analysis of 11 cases]

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) of the lungs (syn.: intravascular bronchioloalveolar tumor/IVBAT) is a neoplasm with a vascular line of differentiation. This study provides a clinicopathological analysis of 11 cases of this tumor. There were 7 female and 4 male patients. Patients' age ranged from 33 to 83 years (mean: 49.8, median: 48 years) showing 2 peaks (third/fourth and sixth/eighth decades). The typical radiological appearance revealed multiple bilateral lung nodules from 0.5 to 2 cm. In 2 cases, a striking perivascular and intravascular growth pattern associated to pulmonary veins was evident. All tumors were characterized by epithelioid tumor cells with nests, cords and strands embedded in a sclerosing, hyaline matrix with alveolar, bronchiolar and vascular extension. Necrosis was identified in 8 tumors and ossification in 2 tumors. The mitotic index was below one mitosis in 10 HPF. By immunohistochemistry, all tumors were positive for CD 31, CD 34, and vimentin, 60% positive for factor VIII, and negative for pancytokeratin and calretinin. Follow-up was available for 8 patients with a range of 6 to 105 months (mean: 51.5 months, median: 52 months): 3 patients died (2 certainly from their tumors), 4 are alive disease-free, and one is alive with metastases. EHE of the lungs (IVBAT) represents an intermediate-grade, malignant, mesenchymal neoplasm with a characteristic histological appearance and immunohistochemical profile.

Primary peritoneal epithelioid hemangioendothelioma

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma is an uncommon malignant vascular tumor of intermediate grade that occurs in a variety of organs and soft tissues. Diagnosis of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma is often complicated by the rarity of the tumor, and because the tumor shares many morphologic features with other peritoneal neoplasms. This report presents 3 cases of epithelioid hemangioendotheliomas arising as primary tumors of the peritoneum and reviews 7 previously reported cases to establish the demographic, clinical, morphologic, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural features of this neoplasm. These cases demonstrate that the light microscopic features are very similar to epithelioid hemangioendothelioma arising at more conventional sites, such as the liver, that immunohistochemical analysis provides a reliable approach for confirming or establishing the diagnosis, and that at least one endothelial marker (either CD31, CD34, or factor VIII) should be positive for a definitive diagnosis. This series identifies the characteristics of peritoneal epithelioid hemangioendothelioma that can be reliably used for diagnosis.