Malignant fibrous histiocytoma presenting with complete opacification of the hemithorax: A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Malignant fibrous histiocytoma, a subtype of primary lung sarcoma is a very rare disease. It usually presents as a lung nodules and the final diagnosis is made by immunohistochemical studies. METHODS: A 45-year-old patient presented with progressive dyspnea, dry cough and right shoulder pain. Chest X-ray revealed complete opacification of the right hemithorax. Chest computed tomography confirmed the presence of a heterogeneous lesion occupying the whole right hemithorax causing a mass effect on the trachea. Ultrasound guided biopsy was done and final pathology was suggestive of malignant fibrous histiocytoma. CONCLUSION: Progressive dyspnea in young otherwise healthy patients should be investigated early on. In our case the presence of right shoulder pain indicates advance disease illustrated by the singular imaging findings. © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.