Littoral cell angiosarcoma of the spleen. Case report with immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analysis

Abstract

This report describes a case of a malignant vascular tumor of the spleen with the morphologic, immunologic, and ultrastructural features observed in splenic sinus-lining cells (littoral cells). Histological examination showed a well-differentiated neoplasm forming ectatic blood channels with intraluminal papillary fronds. Tumor cells displayed malignant nuclear features and hemophagocytosis. Solid neoplastic areas with mitotic figures were present. Ultrastructurally, the tumor cells showed the concomitant presence of lysosomes and Weibel-Palade bodies. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for both endothelial (Factor VIII-AG, CD34) and histiocytic markers (cathepsin D, lysozyme, alpha-1-antichimotrypsin). Our results indicate that angiosarcoma may originate from all the vascular compartments of the spleen, including red-pulp sinuses, and may have morphologic and immunophenotypic similarities to littoral cell angioma, a recently described benign vascular tumor of the spleen.