Integrated diagnostic imaging of primary thoracic rhabdomyosarcoma

• Published in: European radiology Vol. 11; no. 3; pp. 506 - 508
• Main Authors: Almberger, M, Iannicelli, E, Matrunola, M, Schiavetti, A, Capocaccia, P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany Springer Nature B.V 01-01-2001
• Subjects: Chest Pain - etiology; Child; Diagnosis, Differential; Diagnostic Imaging; Female; Humans; Medical diagnosis; Pain; Rhabdomyosarcoma, Alveolar - diagnosis; Thoracic Neoplasms - diagnosis
• ISSN: 0938-7994; 1432-1084
• DOI: 10.1007/s003300000507

We report a rare case of primary thoracic rhabdomyosarcoma in a girl who was referred with acute chest pain, hacking cough, and wheezing. A chest X-ray revealed a complete opacity of the right hemithorax. Ultrasound revealed a right-sided pleural effusion and a solid mass above the liver dome, suggesting a neoplastic disease, which quickly led to further specific examination. Use of CT and MRI together with bone scintigraphy completed the investigation. The biopsy specimen showed a pattern of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. This case was reported to emphasize the role of US in the evaluation of a child with hemithorax opacity.