Pleomorphic leiomyosarcoma (PLMS) of the adrenal gland is a rare tumor in an unusual location. A primary PLMS of the left
adrenal gland is reported in a 59-yr-old Mexican women who presented progressive flank pain and weight loss. The tumor measured
16 cm in diameter, showed markedly pleomorphic and osteoclast-like giant cells, necrosis, and high mitotic activity (average
15 per 10 high-power fields). The phenotype was supported by light microscopy and corroborated by immunohistochemistry. The
neoplastic cells were strongly positive for muscle-specific actin, desmin, vimentin, and p53. They were negative for CD34,
HMB45, estrogen receptors, and S-100 protein. The percentage of Ki-67 positive neoplastic cells was 7.6%. DNA content analysis
by flow cytometry showed that tumor was diploid, with a high level of apoptosis. Extra-adrenal primary sites of origin were
clinically excluded. The patient developed local recurrence and liver metastases 12 mo after initial treatment. She then received
adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy and the metastasis was resected. Twenty-four months later, she is alive with no evidence
of disease. This is the second case of adrenal PLMS reported. This case exhibited a high histologic grade, aggressive behavior,
and p53 overexpression, but diploid DNA content.
Key Words Pleomorphic leiomyosarcoma - osteoclast-like giant cells - adrenal gland - Ki-67 - p53 - DNA content - flow cytometry