Synchronous Infrasellar and Cervical Chondroid Chordoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

We report on a patient who presented in ENT clinic with diplopia accompanied by headache and vomiting. Imaging studies revealed a large expansive heterogeneous mass encroaching on the infrasellar region and cervical spine. Post-intravenous contrast administration revealed a lesion with high enhancement and involvement of the sphenoidal sinus with retroclival extension. Biopsy confirmed the presence of a chondroid chordoma. Treatment included radiation therapy and the patient is currently receiving palliative and supportive care.

Chordoma of the Clivus with Metastasis to Femur

“… 2 The most common places of metastases include the lungs, lymph nodes, liver, bones, skin, muscles, peritoneum, kidneys, and spleen. 15 A few authors have also described metastases to the skin, 10 11 lymphatics, 7 heart 18 19 and abdominal wall but to the best of our knowledge, this is the first case in the literature that reports metastases of a clival chordoma to the femoral bone.…”

“…Biopsy and immunohistochemistry are critical for diagnosis. 15,16 Radical resection of skull base chordomas is not often achieved in many cases due to the anatomy and the involvement of surrounding neurovascular structures such as the internal carotid artery or the cavernous sinus, cranial nerves, and brainstem. 7 The prognosis and life quality are poor with metastasis and recurrence.…”

Clival Chondroid Chordoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

“…Chordomas are characterized by lobulated arrangements of cells with a tendency to form bands or pseudoacinar structures [ 6 , 9 ]. Immunohistochemistry is positive for cytokeratin and EMA, S100, and vimetine [ 1 - 2 , 13 ].…”

“…The rate of distant metastasis is reported between 5% and 29%. Five-year survival rates vary from 51% to 82% according to histological grade and absence of positive surgical margins [ 2 ].…”

“…They can be further classified into classic, chondroid, and undifferentiated subtypes. Imaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) of the skull are essential for proper diagnosis and surgical planning [ 2 , 5 ]. Biopsy and immunohistochemistry are critical for diagnosis.…”