Primary leiomyosarcoma of the spine treated with total en bloc spondylectomy: the first case in Thailand—a case report and literature review

Leiomyosarcoma is a rare type of malignant soft tissue tumor and also one of the most aggressive soft tissue sarcomas. It commonly occurs in uterus, abdominal viscera, retroperitoneal space and soft tissue of the extremities. Primary osseous leiomyosarcoma is a rare condition. Furthermore, primary leiomyosarcoma of the spine is extremely rare. Only few cases have been reported. However, the treatment and outcomes remains controversial. Therefore, the objective of this case report is to illustrate the management of this extremely rare disease by using total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) procedure, which is one of a suitable option for surgical resection of the spinal tumors. In this study, we presented an unusual case of a 61-year-old female, who was diagnosed as primary leiomyosarcoma of the twelfth thoracic spine with liver metastasis, treated with total en bloc spondylectomy of the twelfth thoracic vertebra followed by chemotherapy. On last follow-up, 6 months after the surgery, the clinical outcome remained in good condition and no signs of local recurrence. In conclusion, primary leiomyosarcoma of the spine is an extremely rare and difficult to diagnosis. Immunohistochemistry studies are very important for confirmation of the diagnosis. Standard treatment remains controversial. However, surgical resection is still treatment of choice. One of the most effective surgical options is TES, which give the better outcome and minimize local recurrence, if indicate.