Mesenchymal chondrosarcoma of the orbit: a unique radiologic-pathologic correlation.

Objective: To report a unique radiologic-histopathologic correlation of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma of the orbit in a 24-year-old Asian woman.

Methods: Clinicopathologic case review.

Results: The patient was examined for left-sided proptosis of several months' duration. CT showed a left orbital mass depicting a central radiolucent, nonenhancing component, and a denser peripheral enhancing portion. Histopathologic examination of the orbital mass showed a biphasic pattern of a mesenchymal chondrosarcoma exhibiting features of a high-grade sarcoma with hemangiopericytoma pattern that corresponds to the radiopaque portion of the mass and areas of chondrosarcoma that correlated with the radiolucent component of the tumor. The patient underwent exenteration of the left orbit followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The last follow-up (8 years, 1 month) disclosed no evidence of recurrence or metastatic disease.

Conclusions: In this case, a unique CT-histopathologic correlation of the mass was established. The authors believe that recognizing the different radiologic features of the orbital tumor can help clinicians in establishing the correct preoperative diagnosis of this potentially lethal neoplasm. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this diagnostic correlation has not been previously reported.