Long term recurrence of solitary fibrous tumor involving vertebral body in thoracic spine. A case report

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) represents only 0.08% of all primary bone tumors and 0.1% of primary malignant bone tumors and rarely occurs in the spine. We present the case of a 56-year-old woman with long term recurrence (11 years) of spinal SFT involving T8 vertebral body. We performed a total resection of the lesion and spinal fusion T6-T11 with T8 titanium mesh and placement of pedicle screws in T6-T7 and T10-T11 connected by rods. Microscopic examination confirmed the recurrence of the WHO grade II solitary fibrous tumor. SFT is known for a late but common recurrence and uncertain behaviour. Gold standard treatment is Gross Total Resection. We believe that when vertebral bone is involved it is essential to perform a total excision with "supracomplete" resection if possible in order to avoid local recurrence, more difficult to treat due to an higher rate of perioperative complications. Periodical long-term follow-up is essential to allow early detection of relapses and to allow long-term survival.