Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the orbit in a liver transplant recipient

Transpl Int. 2003 Jun;16(6):437-40. doi: 10.1007/s00147-003-0571-9. Epub 2003 Mar 21.

Abstract

Although an increased incidence of de novo malignancies is reported in transplant recipients, rhabdomyosarcoma, an aggressive mesenchymal tumor typical of childhood, is not considered a neoplasm commonly related to immunosuppression. A 21-year-old woman presented with unilateral diplopia and proptosis 16 months after liver transplantation for fulminant hepatic failure. A tumoral mass originating from the medial rectus muscle was partially removed and diagnosed as being an embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. Since the patient refused complete orbital excision, one course of radiotherapy and six courses of chemotherapy were administered, while immunosuppression was re-modulated, without interruption of the administration of cyclosporine. Complete control of tumor growth was achieved, while no alterations of graft function were observed throughout the treatment period.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppression Therapy / adverse effects
  • Liver / physiopathology
  • Liver Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Orbital Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Orbital Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Orbital Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Orbital Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Reoperation
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma, Embryonal / diagnosis
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma, Embryonal / drug therapy
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma, Embryonal / etiology*
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma, Embryonal / radiotherapy
  • Treatment Outcome