ABSTRACT
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare disease that is part of a vast spectrum of thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs). Despite the rarity of TTP, clinicians must maintain a high suspicion of this disease. The condition is characterized by fever, low platelets, hemolytic anemia, renal abnormalities, and neurological dysfunction. However, all these symptoms are not necessarily present in all the patients. In this review, we describe a case of a 51-year-old female who presented to the emergency department (ED) with chief complaints of dizziness and lightheadedness, subsequently leading to a diagnosis of TTP, caused as a result of COVID-19. This review raises awareness so that there is early recognition of any hematological manifestations associated with COVID-19, reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with the disease. Due to the unpredictability of COVID-19 and its complications, robust research is needed to understand the mechanism and determine which patients are more at risk for adverse outcomes.
ABSTRACT
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a low- to intermediate-grade dermal soft tissue malignant tumor (sarcoma) with a high local recurrence rate but low metastatic potential. DFSP is characterized by uniform spindle cell fascicles arranged classically in a storiform pattern and by CD34 immunoreactivity. On gross examination, DFSP usually manifests as a white or yellow soft tissue mass with a smooth outer surface and poor circumscription. In this study, we report a case of DFSP with fibrosarcomatous transformation, a rare but well-known phenomenon encountered in DFSP that is correlated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes in patients with DFSP. A 45-year-old male presented with a progressively enlarging lump on his left shoulder, initially suspected of being a lipoma but diagnosed as a fibrosarcomatous transformation of DFSP. Surgical resection was performed, with the subsequent identification of metastatic sarcoma in pulmonary nodules. Robotic-assisted thoracoscopy excised the nodules, confirming metastatic sarcoma with aggressive behavior. Despite negative adjuvant treatment plans, the patient remains under surveillance with imaging, showing no recurrence in recent scans. Continued follow-up with medical and surgical oncology is planned. DFSP is a rare soft tissue sarcoma characterized by indolent growth and low metastatic potential, except in fibrosarcomatous transformation cases. Molecularly, DFSP is defined by a COL1A1-PDGFB fusion transcript that is targetable with imatinib therapy. Treatment involves wide surgical resection, with adjuvant radiation therapy in select cases. Radiation therapy may be employed in cases with close or positive margins, while conventional chemotherapy has limited utility. Multidisciplinary collaboration is crucial for optimal management. Overall, this case underscores the challenges in diagnosing and managing aggressive sarcomas like fibrosarcomatous DFSP, emphasizing the importance of vigilant surveillance and multidisciplinary collaboration in optimizing patient outcomes. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying fibrosarcomatous transformation and to explore novel therapeutic avenues for this challenging malignancy.