Diffuse skeletal muscle metastases from sacral chordoma

Skeletal Radiol. 2014 Jul;43(7):985-9. doi: 10.1007/s00256-013-1794-1. Epub 2014 Jan 10.

Abstract

Chordomas are rare, slow-growing tumors arising from cellular remnants of the notochord. They account for 1-4% of primary malignant bone tumors and usually occur in the axial skeleton, most commonly the sacrum. Although typically locally recurrent, chordoma metastasis rates as high as 10-42% have been reported. While spread to multiple organ systems has been documented, metastatic disease to skeletal muscle is extremely rare. We present a case of extensive, multifocal skeletal muscle metastases developing in the setting of recurrent sacral chordoma. Our literature search found only one additional case of metastatic chordoma to a single skeletal muscle.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Chordoma / diagnosis*
  • Chordoma / secondary*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Muscle Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Muscle Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / diagnostic imaging
  • Muscle, Skeletal / pathology
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Sacrum / diagnostic imaging*
  • Sacrum / pathology*