Stewart-Treves Syndrome on the Lower Extremity Associated to Idiopathic Chronic Lymphedema Visualized on FDG PET/CT

Clin Nucl Med. 2017 Dec;42(12):e519-e522. doi: 10.1097/RLU.0000000000001856.

Abstract

Angiosarcomas are highly malignant and rare tumors of vascular or lymphatic endothelial cell origin with a poor prognosis. Lymphangiosarcoma associated with chronic lymphedema is known as Stewart-Treves syndrome. Stewart-Treves syndrome is primarily described in patients with lymphedema of an upper extremity occurring after breast cancer surgery including radical axillary lymph node dissection and subsequent radiotherapy. It is rarely described in the presence of idiopathic chronic lymphedema of the lower extremities. We present a case of lymphangiosarcoma visualized on F-FDG PET/CT, where Stewart-Treves syndrome is secondary to probably a combination of idiopathic chronic lymphedema of the lower extremities and systemic immunosuppressive treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Chronic Disease
  • Female
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18*
  • Hemangiosarcoma / complications*
  • Hemangiosarcoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Lower Extremity / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lower Extremity / pathology
  • Lymphangiosarcoma / complications*
  • Lymphangiosarcoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lymphedema / complications*
  • Middle Aged
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography*

Substances

  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18

Supplementary concepts

  • Stewart Treves syndrome