Multifocal bony hemangioendothelioma: A case report

Hemangioendothelioma is a rare tumor (0.5% of primary malignant bone tumors) generally found in long bones and tarsal bones. We report a case in a 67-year-old man who underwent surgery in 1987 for a tumor of the left ankle. He again consulted in 1998 for pain in the left knee. Standard x-rays of the left lower limb evidenced multiple partitioned bone defects with cortical lysis in the femoral condyle, the upper and lower portions of the tibia and the talus. Computed tomography showed a lytic image of the lower femoral and superior tibial epiphysis without cortical or soft tissue involvement. Laboratory findings were normal. Pathology examination of a biopsy specimen led to the diagnosis of grade I multifocal bony hemangioendothelioma of the medial femoral condyle and the medial upper tibial facet of the left knee. Search for extension was negative. Curettage followed by cement filling of all tumor sites and postoperative radiotherapy were successful. No recurrence has been observed 3 years later. The histological polymorphism of hemangioendotheliomas leads to varying therapeutic management schemes.