Rhabdomyosarcoma presenting as intramuscular haematoma due to brachioradialis tear after trauma. Issue 3 (28th March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Warden, Daniel; Cieply, Kamil; Armstrong, Brandon; Nelson, Michelle
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 16:Issue 3(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-03-28
• Subjects: Oncology -- Orthopaedics; Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2022-250699
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : A man in his 40s with a history of neurofibromatosis type 1 presented to the emergency department with worsening anterior elbow pain and swelling after falling from a chair 2 months prior. An X-ray showed soft tissue swelling without fracture and the patient was diagnosed with a rupture of the biceps muscle. MRI of the right elbow showed a brachioradialis tear with a large haematoma along the humerus. This was initially thought to be a haematoma; therefore, wound evacuation was done twice. When the injury failed to resolve, a tissue biopsy was performed. This revealed a grade 3 pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma. It is important to consider malignancy in the differential diagnosis with rapidly growing masses even if the initial presentation is suggestive of a benign condition. Neurofibromatosis type 1 is also associated with a higher risk of malignancy than the general population.