Primary High-Grade Osteosarcoma of the Clivus: A Case Report and Literature Review

Background: Osteosarcoma is the second most common primary tumor of the skeletal system and the most common primary bone tumor. Usually occurring at the metaphysis of long bones, osteosarcomas are highly aggressive lesions that comprise osteoid-producing spindle cells. Craniofacial osteosarcomas comprise <8% and are believed to be less aggressive and lower grade. Primary osteosarcomas of the skull and skull base comprise <2% of all skull tumors. Osteosarcomas originating from the clivus are rare. We present a case of a primar, high-grade clival osteosarcoma.

Case Description: A 29-year-old man presented to our institution with a progressively worsening right frontal headache for 3 weeks. There were no sensory or cranial nerve deficits. Computed tomography revealed a destructive mass involving the clivus with extension into the left sphenoid sinus. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a homogenously enhancing lesion measuring 2.7 × 2.5 × 3.2 cm. The patient underwent endonasal transphenoidal surgery for gross total resection. The histopathologic analysis revealed proliferation of malignant-appearing spindled and epithelioid cells with associated osteoclast-like giant cells and a small area of osteoid production. The analysis was consistent with high-grade osteosarcoma. The patient did well and was discharged on postoperative day 2. He was referred for adjuvant radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Two-year follow-up showed postoperative changes and clival expansion caused by packing material.

Conclusions: Osteosarcoma is a highly malignant neoplasm. These lesions are usually found in the extremities; however, they may rarely present in the craniofacial region. Clival osteosarcomas are relatively infrequent. We present a case of a primary clival osteosarcoma with high-grade pathology.