Angiosarcoma replacing bone marrow--a case report.

BACKGROUND

Clinical syndromes caused by marrow replacement by neoplastic cells are usually proven to arise from cells of hematopoetic or carcinomatous lineage. Diffuse marrow replacement by mesodermal origin sarcoma is rare in adults, and angiosarcoma replacing bone marrow is a very rare neoplasm.

METHODS

A case of bone marrow replacement by angiosarcoma in a 54-year-old African American man is described with a review of pertinent literature. The unique histopathologic features of this phenomenon are also described.

RESULTS

Histopathologic exam of trephine bone marrow biopsy revealed replacement of marrow spaces by a proliferating highly vascular malignant neoplasm with features of high-grade angiosarcoma.

CONCLUSION

Few reports in the literature describe angiosarcomatosis of the bone marrow. It is important to recognize this unusual presentation to avoid confusion with other more common bone marrow replacing entities and to promote recognition that more efficacious treatment is needed.