An unusual manifestation of Hand-Foot-Genital Syndrome: Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma - A case report

Abstract Hand-Foot-Genital Syndrome (HFGS) is a dominantly inherited condition and one of the rarest cases encountered in clinical practice. It might be presented with a wide variety of limb malformations and urogenital defects manifestations. In this report, a unique and novel case of HFGS accompanied with Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma of the urinary bladder is described in a two-year-old male. The patient was admitted to the hospital in order to investigate a progressively enlarging mass in the lower abdomen. During hospitalization, oliguria was noted by resident physicians. However, hypospadias and dysmorphic abnormalities, demonstrated upon physical examination, were the cornerstone in the diagnosis of HFGS. An accurate visual examination of the abdomen showed dilated superficial veins, and abdominal rigidity appeared through palpation. Furthermore, the radiologic evaluation showed delayed ossification of carpal bones, and abdominal CT scan revealed a necrotic mass in the hypogastric region measuring 12 × 10 cm. A biopsy was performed through which the mass was confirmed as Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma of the urinary bladder. The kidney function follow-up showed normal results. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was started to diminish the tumor size. However, the patient eventually passed away during the treatment phase. This report emphasizes the need for a high index of suspicion to establish early detection of Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma in each newborn diagnosed with Hand-Foot-Genital Syndrome (HFGS) to avoid potential fatal consequences.