Primary Retropharyngeal Synovial Sarcoma

Case Report

Radiographic Findings

CT scans of the head and neck showed a large, well-circumscribed, solid mass in the left retropharyngeal space, which was isoattenuated to the muscle (Fig 1A). The styloid process was anterolaterally displaced by the mass. After infusion of the contrast material, the mass showed strong heterogeneous enhancement (Fig 1B). The mass displaced the parapharyngeal fat anteriorly, pharyngeal mucosal space medially, and internal carotid artery laterally. A multiplanar reformatted image showed a clearly limited oval mass in the retropharyngeal space extending from the first to the fifth vertebrae (Fig 1C).

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Fig 1.

A 60-year-old woman with a bulging mass in the left retropharyngeal space. A, Axial CT scan shows a large, well-circumscribed, solid mass in the left retropharyngeal space (black asterisk). The mass displaces the parapharyngeal fat anteriorly (white arrowheads). Note the styloid process, which is anterolaterally displaced by the mass (black arrow). B, Contrast-enhanced axial CT scan shows a well-marginated strong heterogeneous enhancement mass in the left retropharyngeal space (black asterisks). The mass displaces the parapharyngeal fat anteriorly, the pharyngeal mucosal space medially, and the internal carotid artery laterally (black arrow). C, A multiplanar reformatted image shows a clearly limited oval mass in the retropharyngeal space extending from the first to the fifth vertebrae (black arrows). D, Low-power photomicrograph (original magnification, ×20) reveals a proliferation of oval to spindle-shaped cells arranged in sheets and fascicles.

Discussion

Synovial sarcoma is a mesenchymal spindle-cell tumor that displays variable epithelial differentiation including glandular formation and has a specific chromosomal translocation t(X; 18) (p11; q11). Synovial sarcoma accounts for 5% to 10% of soft tissue sarcomas.¹ The reported annual incidence is 2.57 per 100,000.² They are reported from birth to age 89 years but occur mainly between the ages of 15 and 40 years³ and are more common in males. Synovial sarcoma is unrelated to the synovium, and less than 5% of these sarcomas originate within a joint or bursa. More than 80% of these tumors arise in the deep soft tissue of the extremities (especially around the knee), and the tumor frequently arises adjacent to joints or tendon sheaths. Approximately 5% of these tumors arise in the head and neck region; however, any site can be affected.^4,5 In the case of our patient, the tumor was located within the left suprahyoid portion of the retropharyngeal space.

The most common radiologic finding of primary synovial sarcoma has been described to be a heterogeneously enhancing soft tissue mass, with well-defined margins and without calcifications on CT.⁶ In the case of our patient, the tumor concurred with previous reports.

The retropharyngeal space is a distinct space along the midline of the extracranial portion of the head and neck that extends from the skull base to the upper mediastinum. It is bounded by the middle and deep layers of the deep cervical fascia. Lymph nodes and fat are found in the suprahyoid portion of the retropharyngeal space, whereas only fat is present in the infrahyoid portion. In the case of our patient, the tumor was thought to arise from a retropharyngeal node, probably the lateral group, which is located at the anterolateral aspect of the prevertebral muscle.

Disease processes in the retropharyngeal space are relatively uncommon; however, they assume greater significance because of the proximity of the retropharyngeal space to the airway and because of the inability to examine this space clinically.^7-9 The nodal pattern of suprahyoid retropharyngeal space involvement is identified on CT or MR images when the center of the lesion is anterior to the prevertebral musculature, posteromedial to the parapharyngeal space, and medial to the carotid artery. The CT differential diagnosis of retropharyngeal space abnormalities is limited and includes malignant tumors and inflammatory diseases. Malignant tumors account for most abnormalities in the retropharyngeal space mass, and nodal metastases from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma represent the most common form of involvement. Malignant nodal involvement of the suprahyoid retropharyngeal space was diagnosed when unilateral or bilateral discrete nodal masses of 1 cm or larger were present, or when nodes of any size contained central inhomogeneity on CT scans. Metastatic disease in the retropharyngeal space can result in nodal necrosis.¹⁰ On occasion, nodal necrosis may be confused with an abscess or suppurative lymphadenitis. Necrotic nodes often maintain a clear nodal margin with no signs of surrounding inflammation. Causes of inflammatory diseases in the retropharyngeal space include cellulitis, suppurative adenopathy, and abscess. Except for lipomas, most low-attenuation massive lesions in the retropharyngeal space should be considered large abscesses that will extend rapidly into the lower neck and ultimately to the mediastinum; their existence and extension should be diagnosed correctly and promptly by sectional images.¹¹

In general, synovial sarcoma is treated surgically with or without adjuvant radiation. Up to 50% of synovial sarcomas recur, usually within 2 years.¹² Some 40% metastasize, commonly to the lungs and bone and also to the regional lymph nodes. Prognosis does not differ between monophasic and biphasic tumors or in relationship to immunophenotype.¹³

To the best of our knowledge, only 1 case of retropharyngeal synovial sarcoma has been reported. Radiologists should be familiar with synovial sarcoma in the different sites, and synovial sarcoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of masses involving the retropharyngeal space.