Solitary fibrous tumor/hemangiopericytoma of the cervical spine: A systematic review of the literature with an illustrative case

Abstract

Background: In the WHO 2016 classification of central nervous system tumors, solitary fibrous tumors (SFT) and hemangiopericytomas (HPC) were considered part of the same category given a shared mutation. Nevertheless, since the new 2021 WHO classification, the term “hemangiopericytoma” has been retired, and SFT is considered an independent pathological entity. Methods: We reviewed the literature following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines focusing on the treatment options and prognosis of patients with cervical SFT. We also present a 68-year-old female with spinal intradural extramedullary SFT complicated by diffuse extension into paravertebral tissues and muscles. Results: We found 38 cervical SFT in the literature. Patients averaged 47.3 years of age and 47.4% were female. Typically, these lesions spanned two spinal levels resulting in cord compression and most frequently exhibited benign features (i.e., diagnosed as Grade I SFTs). Interestingly, two patients exhibited distant metastases and had initial pathology consistent with grade II SFT. Conclusion: SFT of the cervical spine is rare and its management varies according to the histological grade and the clinical behavior, generally warranting surgical excision and adjuvant radiation therapy and/or systemic chemotherapy.

An Unexpected Finding of an Aggressive Pleural Hemangiopericytoma/Solitary Fibrous Tumor in a Patient With Recurrent Meningioma: A Case Report

“…Usually, an HPC/SFT of the pleura presents as a solitary, localized mass with a smooth surface, attached to the pleura with a vascularized pedicle. Up to 80% of HPC/SFTs can occur from the visceral pleura [ 4 ], with a slight predominance of pedunculated tumors. Often, they are localized in the inferior hemithorax [ 5 , 6 ].…”