Cytologic Features of an Angiosarcoma in Pleural Fluid: A Case Report

Chu, Young Chae; Park, In Seo; Kim, Yoon Ju; Han, Hye Seung; Han, Jee Young

Abstract

Angiosarcomas are rare tumors, seen most commonly in the skin and soft tissue of head and neck region. But it has been described in numerous body sites including thyroid, breast, liver, spleen, bone, etc.. Their biological behaviors depend on the microscopic grade, site of origin, and multifocality. We report the unique cytological features of an angiosarcoma in pleural fluid. A 61-year-old woman presented with a 6 month history of dyspnea on exertion and chest pain. Chest computerized tomography(CT) revealed multiple subpleural small nodules in the right lung and widespread air space consolidation and pleural effusion in the left lung. CT of liver revealed multiple small low attenuated lesion. The smears obtained from pleural fluid showed hypocellularity with a hemorrhagic background. The tumor cells were highly pleomorphic oval or spindle in shape and presented singly, in loose groups, in knitted syncytial aggregates, and in acinar pattern. Their nuclei had vesicular chromatin with delineated, thick nuclear membranes and occasionally a large eosinophilic, prominent nucleolus. The cytoplasm was plump, thin or projected in spindly fashion. Almost all tumor cells showed variable sized intracytoplasmic vacuoles and their nuclei were sometimes crescentic by a huge vacuole. Occasional binucleated tumor cells and mitotic figures were present. Cellular debris and streaky materials were identified. Needle biopsy specimen from the pleura revealed anastomosing slit-like spaces lined by pleomorphic tumor cells. The tumor cells showed a strong reactivity for CD31 and vimentin and focal weak reactivity for factor VIII-related antigen.