Pseudosarcomatous fibrovascular proliferative tissue masquerading as a primary subglottic angiosarcoma

Abstract

A unique case of pseudosarcomatous fibrovascular proliferative tissue causing biphasic stridor and simulating a primary subglottic angiosarcoma is reported.

The patient presented with a wheeze and was diagnosed initially with asthma. He subsequently developed worsening biphasic stridor. Flexible nasendoscopy revealed a subglottic mass obstructing the airway. The mass was removed with a carbon dioxide laser and the patient’s condition improved dramatically. The specimen was difficult to interpret histologically and was thought at first to be a novel case of a primary subglottic angiosarcoma. However, the slides were reviewed by expert soft tissue pathologists in the UK and USA, and a final diagnosis of a pseudosarcomatous fibrovascular proliferative lesion was made.

This case highlights the important principle of seeking additional opinions before making a malignant diagnosis in an atypical site. Our report also emphasizes the importance of good clinico-pathological liaison, especially in difficult cases.