Role of Random Skin Biopsies in the Diagnosis of Aortic Angiosarcoma

Abstract

Aortic angiosarcoma is an extremely rare malignancy that is often diagnosed postoperatively or during autopsy. We present a case that was diagnosed through random skin biopsy. A 75-year-old woman with Alzheimer's disease and chronic kidney disease presented with persistent fever and elevated C-reactive protein levels. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed irregular thickening of the aortic wall, which was initially suspected to be atherosclerosis. A random skin biopsy revealed tumor cells that were positive for vascular endothelial markers. The patient died 69 days later, with an autopsy confirming aortic angiosarcoma. Random skin biopsies may aid in the diagnosis of aortic angiosarcoma by detecting metastatic lesions when invasive procedures are not feasible.