Low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma of the levator scapulae muscle: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma (LGMS) is described as a distinct atypical myofibroblastic tumor often with fibromatosis-like features and predilection for the head and neck, especially the oral cavity and larynx. LGMS arising in the levator scapulae muscle is extremely rare. CASE PRESENTATION: A 69-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because she noticed a hard mass in her left neck six months prior. Magnetic resonance images (MRI) showed a soft tissue tumor of the left levator scapulae muscle. A core needle biopsy showed cellular fascicles or a storiform growth pattern of spindle-shaped tumor cells with minimally atypia. Immunohistochemistry revealed focally positive for α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), negative for S-100, and a low-grade spindle cell sarcoma was suspected. Following a biopsy, the tumor was resected with a wide surgical margin. Immunohistochemical staining was a positive for vimentin and α-SMA and negative for desmin, CD34, nuclear ß-catenin, and h-caldesmon. LGMS diagnosis was determined based on the histopathological findings. The patient was alive with no evidence of disease eight years after the surgery. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of LGMS arising in the levator scapulae muscle. In addition to the case report, 48 reports with 103 LGMS cases are reviewed and discussed. In previous reports of LGMS, there were 43 females and 60 males, with a mean age of 43.0 years (range, 2-75). There were 13 (12.6%) patients aged < 18 years, 67 (65.1%) patients aged 18 to 59 years, and 23 (22.3%) patients aged ≥60 years. The average tumor size was 4.4 cm (range: 0.4-22.0). The commonest sites of LGMS was the tongue. Tumor growth patterns were evaluated in 52 cases, and 44 cases (84.6%) showed infiltrative growth patterns. Local recurrence was 26.7%, and distant metastasis was 4.4%. Because of the locally aggressive feature, it is important to diagnose LGMS with biopsy and to excise the tumor with an adequately wide margin.

Risk Factors for Postoperative Deep Infection After Malignant Bone Tumor Surgery of the Extremities.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Previous studies have identified pelvic tumors as a risk factor for surgical site infections (SSI). However, risk factors for extremity tumors are still unclear. This study investigated risk factors for postoperative deep infection in malignant bone tumors of the extremities. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data from 238 patients with 256 malignant bone tumor surgeries were reviewed. Univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression determined risk factors for deep infection. RESULTS: Deep infection was found in 23 of 256 cases (9.0%). Tibial tumor (OR=6.04; 95%CI=2.14-17.05; p<0.001) and operative time ≥5 hours (OR=3.25; 95%CI=1.15-9.23; p=0.027) were independent risk factors for deep infection. CONCLUSION: Tibial tumor and operative time ≥5 hours are independent risk factors for deep infection after surgery of malignant bone tumor of extremities. Strategies to minimize risk of infection in the tibia and decreasing operative time should be implemented, along with other measures to decrease SSI.