Granulocytic sarcoma in nonleukemic patients

Solitary eosinophilic granulocytic sarcoma in a dog

A 6-year-old male golden retriever presented with swelling of the left upper eyelid of 2 months duration, which did not improve following a course of antibiotics. Routine serum biochemistry, complete blood count and diagnostic imaging identified no clinically significant abnormalities. The mass was surgically excised, and histopathologic examination was performed. Eosinophilic granulocytic sarcoma (GS) was diagnosed based on the results of histopathology and immunohistochemistry. This is the first report of GS affecting the eyelid of a dog.

Gastric myeloid sarcoma mimicking pseudoachalasia in non-leukemic context: a singular case report

Introduction and importance

Myeloid sarcoma (MS) is a rare tumour associated with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and occasionally occurs independently. It typically affects skin, bone, lymph nodes, and rarely the gastrointestinal tract, with gastric cases being extremely rare. Notably, no reported instances associate pseudoachalasia with gastric myeloid sarcoma.

Case presentation

A 20-year-old male presented with severe dysphagia, refractory vomiting, and weight loss. Diagnosed with type III achalasia via oesophageal tests, subsequent gastroscopy revealed a large gastric mass, later identified as gastric myeloid sarcoma through histopathology.

Clinical discussion

MS, characterized by immature blast cells, poses diagnostic challenges without typical leukaemia symptoms. Diagnosis involves immunohistochemistry, employing markers like CD33, CD34, and CD43. Optimal treatments, such as chemotherapy or stem cell transplantation, aim to delay leukaemia progression. Gastric primary de-novo myeloid sarcoma is exceedingly rare, emphasizing the need for tailored treatment strategies.

Conclusion

Gastric myeloid sarcoma is an exceptionally rare tumour, especially without concurrent acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), complicating its diagnosis. This case represents the first globally documented instance of gastric myeloid sarcoma causing pseudoachalasia. Documenting this unique clinical presentation is crucial for a better grasp of gastric myeloid sarcoma's diverse manifestations.

Nasopharyngeal myeloid sarcoma as a manifestation of acute monomyelocytic leukaemia

This case report describes the case of a man in his seventies presenting with a nasopharyngeal deposit of myeloid sarcoma associated with acute monomyelocytic leukaemia. He presented with right nasal obstruction associated with unilateral pulsatile tinnitus. CT and MRI scans of sinuses identified a moderately restricting mucosal swelling of the right torus tubarius, and a biopsy of the lesion diagnosed a nasal deposit of myeloid sarcoma.

Bilateral adnexal masses: A case report of acute myeloid leukemia presenting with myeloid sarcoma of the ovary and review of literature

•We report a case of a patient with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) presenting as myeloid sarcoma.•This patient with bilateral adnexal masses was managed via total robotic hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.•There are a limited number of reports of bilateral ovarian occurrences that exist in the literature.•Myeloid sarcoma of the ovaries may present with vaginal bleeding to dysmenorrhea, dysuria, and palpable abdominal mass.

Myeloid sarcoma: An overview

Myeloid Sarcoma (MS) is a high grade, hematological malignancy defined as an extramedullary tumor mass of myeloid blasts with or without maturation that effaces tissue architecture. It is a highly heterogenous condition that represents a variety of myeloid neoplasms. This heterogeneity of MS, together with its rarity, have greatly hampered our understanding of the condition. Diagnosis requires tumor biopsy, which should be accompanied by bone marrow evaluation for medullary disease. It is presently recommended that MS be treated similar to AML. Additionally, ablative radiotherapy and novel targeted therapies may also be beneficial. Genetic profiling has identified recurrent genetic abnormalities including gene mutations associated with MS, supporting its etiology similar to AML. However, the mechanisms by which MS homes to specific organs is unclear. This review provides an overview of pathogenesis, pathological and genetic findings, treatment, and prognosis. Improving the management and outcomes of MS patients requires a better understanding of its pathogenesis and its response to various therapeutic approaches.

Isolated meningeal myeloid sarcoma with recurrent MLL-AF6 translocation: a case report

This study aimed to help improve the diagnosis and treatment of isolated myeloid sarcoma. We report the case of a female adolescent patient with isolated meningeal myeloid sarcoma. She was admitted to our department because of vomiting, headache and hearing loss. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography and brain magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple intracranial space-occupying lesions. A complete examination, including morphology, cytology, immunophenotyping, cytogenetics and molecular biology tests of cerebrospinal fluid and bone marrow, was conducted. The diagnosis of primary myeloid sarcoma of the central nervous system with mixed lineage leukemia gene rearrangement with AF6 was established. The patient underwent systemic chemotherapy and intrathecal treatment followed by whole-brain radiotherapy. She achieved complete remission for 84 months and has not developed bone marrow involvement during follow-up. The combination of morphology, cytology, flow cytometry, cytogenetics and molecular analysis can improve the definite diagnosis of isolated myeloid sarcoma.

Myeloid Sarcoma Presenting as Obstructive Jaundice

Myeloid sarcoma (MS) is a rare solid neoplasm that consists of extramedullary myeloid precursor cells. Generally, it is associated with underlying acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or AML yet to manifest clinically. It can present as isolated, also known as primary MS without evidence of AML or other myeloproliferative neoplasms. We present the case of a previously healthy 36-year-old male, who was admitted to hospital with new-onset painful obstructive jaundice and final diagnosis of isolated MS was made after through investigations. We are pleased to report that he had favorable response to the treatment and remains well.

Diagnosis and surgical treatment of primary isolated aggressive lumbar myeloid sarcoma: a rare case report and review of the literatures

BACKGROUND

Myeloid sarcoma is a rare, extramedullary, solid tumor derived from immature myeloid cell precursors. It is most frequently accompanied by acute myelogenous leukemia, though infrequently found in non-acute myelogenous leukemia patients. The tumor may involve any part of the body, but the lumbar spine is seldom involved. The present case study aims to understand the diagnosis and surgical treatment of a rare primary isolated myeloid sarcoma of the lumbar spine causing aggressive spinal cord compression in a non-acute myelogenous leukemia patient.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 29-year-old man complained of an aggressive radiating pain to the lower extremities and moderate dysuria with a Visual Analogue Scale score that gradually increased from 3 to 8. Lumbar enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography revealed a lumbar canal lesion at lumbar spine L2 to L4 with spinal cord compression. A whole body bone scan with fused single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography demonstrated abnormal ^99mTc-methylene diphosphonate accumulation in the L3 lamina and spinous process. No evidence of infection or hematology disease was observed in laboratory tests. Due to rapid progression of the symptoms and lack of a clear diagnosis, decompression surgery was performed immediately. During the operation, an approximately 6.0 × 2.5 × 1.2 cm monolithic, fusiform, soft mass in the epidural space and associated lesion tissues were completely resected. The radiating pain was relieved immediately and the dysuria disappeared within 1 week. Intraoperative pathological frozen section analysis revealed a hematopoietic malignant tumor and postoperative immunohistochemistry examination confirmed the diagnosis of myeloid sarcoma.

CONCLUSIONS

The primary isolated aggressive lumbar myeloid sarcoma is rarely seen, the specific symptoms and related medical history are unclear. Surgery and hematological treatment are effective for understanding and recognizing this rare tumor.

Case Report: Refusal of an Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Due to Malignant Disease? - An Extremely Rare Form of Cardiac Involvement in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

We report here on a 61-year-old patient with acute right heart failure of unclear etiology. Echocardiography revealed a myocardial mass infiltrating the heart, though, we assumed a cardiac lymphoma. A VA-ECMO was implanted as bridging for diagnosis and therapy. Our patient received chemotherapy, under which the tumor (of unknown etiology at this point) reached a partial remission. Nine months after first admission the patient developed acute myeloid leukemia with DNMT3a and TET2 mutations. Retrospective analysis of the cardiac biopsy revealed the identical mutations and matched with the diagnosis of an extremely rare primary extramedullary manifestation of an AML (myelosarcoma). The patient received induction-chemotherapy and was planned for consolidating allogeneic stem cell transplantation. From this case, we conclude that an extracorporeal therapy should be discussed in selected patients even in case of an initially fatal appearing prognosis. In selected cases, extracorporeal support can generate enough time for diagnosis and therapy. However, transparent planning, including discussion of best supportive care strategies involving the patient's family are indispensable requirements for starting ECMO in such patients.

Myeloid sarcoma, chloroma, or extramedullary acute myeloid leukemia tumor: A tale of misnomers, controversy and the unresolved

The World Health Organization classification and definition of "myeloid sarcoma" is imprecise and misleading. A more accurate term is "extramedullary acute myeloid leukemia tumor (eAML)." The pathogenesis of eAML has been associated with aberrancy of cellular adhesion molecules, chemokine receptors/ligands and RAS-MAPK/ERK signaling. eAML can present with or without synchronous or metachronous intramedullary acute myeloid leukemia (AML) so a bone marrow evaluation is always recommended. Accurate diagnosis of eAML requires tissue biopsy. eAML confined to one or a few sites is frequently treated with local therapy such as radiotherapy. About 75-90% of patients with isolated eAML will develop metachronous intramedullary AML with a median latency period ranging from 4 to 12 months; thus, patients with isolated eAML may also be treated with systemic anti-leukemia therapy. eAML does not appear to have an independent prognostic impact; selection of post-remission therapy including allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (alloHCT) is typically guided by intramedullary disease risk. Management of isolated eAML should be individualized based on patient characteristics as well as eAML location and cytogenetic/molecular features. The role of PET/CT in eAML is also currently being elucidated. Improving outcomes of patients with eAML requires further knowledge of its etiology and mechanism(s) as well as therapeutic approaches beyond conventional chemotherapy, ideally in the context of controlled trials.

Newly diagnosed isolated myeloid sarcoma-paired NGS panel analysis of extramedullary tumor and bone marrow

Isolated myeloid sarcoma (MS) is a rare malignancy in which myeloid blast forms tumors at various locations while the bone marrow (BM) remains cytomorphologically free from disease. We analyzed isolated MS from four patients and their BMs at initial diagnosis and follow-up, using a custom next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel. We observed possible clonal evolution and a clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP)-like finding in the BM of one of three cases with detectable mutations. Clinical presentation of one patient suggested extramedullary confined homing of blasts to distal sites in the relapse situation still sparing the BM. In summary, our findings shall motivate future work regarding signals of extramedullary blast trafficking and clonal evolution in MS.

Isolated Intracranial Myeloid Sarcoma Mimicking Malignant Lymphoma: A Diagnostic Challenge and Literature Reviews

Isolated intracranial myeloid sarcoma (MS) is an unusual variant tumor with few cases reported so far in the medical literature. A 29-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital presenting progressive visual loss in the right eye and weight loss (20 kg) without a previous history of hematological disease (HD). Radiologic evaluation showed the evidence of intracranial mass. Histologically, the resected tumor was composed of a uniform population of primitive cells and primarily misdiagnosed as a T-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). Chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vinblastine, and prednisone (CHOP) was ineffective. A biopsy and histopathological evaluation were repeated, and immunohistochemical staining revealed the positivity of immature cells to an extensive panel of myeloid markers. These findings were consistent with a diagnosis of MS and bone marrow infiltration. Literature reviews of previous cases were also undertaken.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Considerations for Extramedullary Leukemia

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to summarize the current literature on the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment options available for extramedullary (EM) manifestations of leukemia including myeloid sarcoma (MS) and leukemia cutis (LC).

RECENT FINDINGS

Advanced imaging using 18FDG-PET/CT is an effective screening tool for EM manifestations of leukemia. The role of radiation therapy has been more clearly delineated in the treatment of both MS and LC. FDA-approved targeted agents have improved outcomes in patients with AML but have not demonstrated improvements specifically for EM; however, a checkpoint inhibitor, Ipilimumab, holds promise in impacting local control for the treatment of AML-related EM. EM manifestations of leukemia pose significant therapeutic challenges. Treatment of EM is predicated on multiple factors including the presence of concomitant bone marrow involvement, AML-risk classification, and timing of presentation at initial diagnosis or relapse following systemic therapy.

Myeloid sarcoma

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Myeloid sarcoma; also known as granulocytic sarcoma and chloroma, often occurs concomitantly with AML, and rarely without bone marrow involvement. In this article, we review the recent literature on myeloid sarcoma, focusing on treatment approach for this rare disease, and addressing the prognostic and therapeutic role of molecular and cytogenetic aberrations.

RECENT FINDINGS

Molecular testing and cytogenetics are important adjunct to conventional diagnostic methods. The significance of cytogenetic and molecular abnormalities in myeloid sarcoma is not completely established, but testing for targetable mutations on myeloid sarcoma cells is feasible, imperative, and may guide treatment decisions. Outcomes in myeloid sarcoma largely depend on the background of its development. Almost all patients with myeloid sarcoma eventually develop AML typically in a short period after its diagnosis; therefore, remission induction treatment using AML type chemotherapy has been the standard of care. Postremission therapy is controversial; allogenic SCT, radiotherapy or consolidation chemotherapy should be considered according to patient risk.

SUMMARY

Further research is required to understand the nature of myeloid sarcoma, and inclusion of patients with this condition in clinical trials should be considered to better identify the best diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic approach in managing this rare disease.

Myeloid sarcoma on the temporal region before the onset of the acute myeloid leukemia: an extremely rare case report

PURPOSE

Myeloid sarcoma (MS) is a rare malignant tumor that arises outside the bone marrow and usually occurs concomitantly or after the acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The aim of the present study is to report an extremely rare case of a patient with an MS arising in the maxillofacial region before the onset of AML to serve as a guide on how to conduct the initial assessment and diagnosis of similar cases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 29-year-old healthy man complained of a "swelling on the head," which was rapidly increasing. He was asymptomatic and never had a previous AML.

RESULTS

The patient presented a large mass on the left temporal region. The computed tomography showed a well-delimited lesion extending from the lateral pterygoid muscle and involving the zygomatic arch and lateral orbital rim. The mass was diagnosed as an MS arising before the onset of the AML.

CONCLUSION

Masses of a rapid increase in the maxillofacial region should always raise suspicion of being an MS even in asymptomatic patients. Following a protocol of initial assessment and diagnosis will decrease the period between the initial appearance of the MS and effective treatment aimed to prevent or delay the manifestation of leukemia, improving the prognosis and survival of these patients.

Epidural myeloid sarcoma as the presenting symptom of chronic myeloid leukemia blast crisis

Epidural myeloid sarcoma revealing chronic myeloid leukemia is scarce. Herein, we describe a patient that presented with back pain and bilateral sciatica secondary to root compression due to epidural deposition of leukemic cells. The magnetic resonance imaging showed epidural masses, causing a slight restriction of the spinal canal with bilateral L5 root compression. Laboratory examinations showed hyperleukocytosis (white blood cell count: 83 × 109/L, absolute neutrophil count: 60 × 109/L). The bone marrow cytology and immunophenotypic findings confirmed the diagnosis of myeloid leukemia. The diagnosis of spinal myeloid sarcoma revealing chronic myeloid leukemia during the blast phase was established. The patient underwent induction chemotherapy. Then, bone marrow cytology revealed less than 3% of blasts, which correspond to cytological remission. Three months later, MRI showed complete disappearance of the epidural masses. A literature review was conducted by searching PubMed using these terms: "Leukemia, Myeloid" AND "Spine" AND "Sarcoma, Myeloid". We emphasize clinical and radiological findings of spinal myeloid sarcoma. This diagnosis should be considered when the MRI reveals epidural mass lesion. The early management of this disease is necessary, and the treatment of myeloid sarcoma is not codified. Our case highlighted that chemotherapy treatment could be sufficient to lead to the disappearance of myeloid sarcoma and the remission of leukemia.

Educational Case: Myeloid Sarcoma: A Subtype of Acute Myeloid Leukemia

The following fictional case is intended as a learning tool within the Pathology Competencies for Medical Education (PCME), a set of national standards for teaching pathology. These are divided into three basic competencies: Disease Mechanisms and Processes, Organ System Pathology, and Diagnostic Medicine and Therapeutic Pathology. For additional information, and a full list of learning objectives for all three competencies, seehttp://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2374289517715040.¹

Acute Myeloid Leukemia Presenting as Myeloid Sarcoma with a Predisposition to the Gynecologic Tract

Myeloid sarcoma (MS) is a rare, extramedullary tumor consisting of immature white blood cells of myeloid lineage. MS is usually associated with the concurrent diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) but can also present in the absence of bone marrow disease or at relapse of AML. MS of the gynecologic tract is exceedingly rare; however, it is hypothesized that it is likely more prevalent than previously understood given postmortem findings and persistence in preserved ovarian tissue. There is minimal literature surrounding MS and extramedullary relapse with no clear guidelines. This is a case report of a 48-year-old woman with MS involving the uterine corpus, fallopian tubes, and left ovary followed by a literature review. The overall aim is to review data regarding leukemic immune evasion and sanctuary sites in order to raise awareness as this represents an important and underrecognized hematologic malignancy in an often misdiagnosed, underrecognized site.

Vulvar myeloid sarcoma as the presenting symptom of acute myeloid leukemia: a case report and literature review of Chinese patients, 1999-2018

BACKGROUND

Myeloid sarcoma (MS), which represents a rare malignancy that comprises of myeloid blasts occurring at extra-medullary sites, closely correlates with the onset and relapse of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and other hemopoietic neoplasm. Female genital system is an uncommon location of MS, with the vulvar MS being even rarer that only eight cases have been reported in English-written literature.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 47-year-old woman presented with chronic ulceration on her vulva for one and a half month. Microscopic examination of incisional biopsy revealed dermal infiltration of myeloid precursor cells, which were positive for MPO, lysozyme, CD43, CD68, CD38 and CD117. Bone marrow flowcytometric analysis showed myeloblast count of 74%, which expressed CD13, CD33, CD117 and HLA-DR. A diagnosis of AML (M2 type) was made and vulvar MS was the earliest symptom. The patient achieved complete remission after chemotherapy with no evidence of recurrence in a 27-month follow-up. We reviewed the literature and identified 54 cases of Chinese patients with gynecological MS between 1999 and 2018, and discovered that in Chinese population, MS most frequently involved uterine cervix followed by the ovary and vulva, and ovarian MS onset much earlier than other sites. Remarkably, vulvar MS exhibited a high rate of concurrent AML and secondary myeloid leukemia within a short time of its occurrence. Despite its limited distribution, MS should be tackled aggressively with chemotherapy followed by allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation if the appropriate donor is available.

CONCLUSIONS

Female genital MS, especially vulvar MS, should be included in the differential diagnosis of gynecological neoplasm, which will facilitate its early diagnosis and prompt management.

Unilateral Proptosis As An Initial Sign Of Acute Myeloid Leukemia In A Child: A Case Report

Granulocytic sarcoma (chloroma) is a rare malignant solid tumor representing an extramedullary manifestation of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Rarely, a chloroma can develop as the sole manifestation and its appearance may precede the systemic manifestations of acute myelocytic leukemia by months to years. We report a rare case of unilateral orbital mass presenting with progressive proptosis involving left globe in an otherwise healthy child, and give a brief overview of the literature about this unusual presentation. Leukemic infiltration should be considered in the differential diagnosis of orbital masses and proptosis even in the absence of systemic manifestations of AML. Early detection and management are crucial to preserve vision and prevent complications.

Clinical characteristics and management of primary granulocytic sarcoma of the breast: A case report

RATIONALE

Primary granulocytic sarcoma of the breast is a rare and poor-prognosis malignancy. Clinicians do not have sufficient knowledge of this disease and often misdirect it as other soft tissue sarcomas or inflammation.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 42-year-old female presented with a self-discovered asymptomatic growing and palpable right breast mass that had been present for 4 months.

DIAGNOSES

The patient was diagnosed as primary myeloid sarcoma.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient received modified radical mastectomy in the right breast and sentinel lymph node biopsy. Pathological diagnosis is primary granulocytic sarcoma. Then the patient accepted acute myeloid leukemia-induction chemotherapy.

OUTCOMES

The follow-up of this patient has no evidence of disease progression or spread during 1 year.

LESSONS

Granulocytic sarcoma in the breast tissue is rare. But it still should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any tumor in the breast. The present study discusses comprehensively the clinical and pathological characteristics to improve the understanding of myeloid sarcoma.

A Focus of Differentiated Myeloid Sarcoma in a Ligation Specimen of the Fallopian Tube: No Evidence of Hematologic Abnormality in 18 Years of Follow-up Despite Absence of Treatment

A 0.2-cm intramural focus composed predominantly of myelocytes and metamyelocytes, many CD3+, CD43+ T-lymphocytes, scanty CD20+ B-lymphocytes, rare mast cells, but no eosinophils or myeloblasts was incidentally found in a ligation specimen of the left fallopian tube. The myeloid cells were positive for chloroacetate esterase, myeloperoxidase, myeloid marker BM2, and CD43, and they were negative for CD30, CD34, CD117, ERG, and TDT. The findings in the left fallopian tube were consistent with the diagnosis of differentiated myeloid sarcoma. The right fallopian tube was normal. No hematologic abnormalities were found elsewhere in the body. Curiously, the patient remains free of any hematologic abnormality for 18 years despite absence of treatment.

Myeloid Sarcoma

Hematological malignancies can manifest as extramedullary soft tissue masses in relatively rare cases. The rarity of it causes a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. One of the rarest manifestations is myeloid sarcoma (MS). MS develops as part of acute myeloid leukemia, myeloproliferative neoplasm, or myelodysplastic syndrome or at relapse, especially following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. The tumor displays high myeloperoxidase expression, hence the color green, and is called chloroma. It most commonly appears in lymph nodes, skin and soft tissues, bone, testes, gastrointestinal tract, and peritoneum. Immunohistochemistry shows CD68-KP1 as the most commonly expressed marker, then myeloperoxidase, CD117, CD99, CD68/PG-M1, lysozyme, CD34, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase, CD56, CD61, CD30, glycophorin A, and CD4. Different chromosomal abnormalities including MLL rearrangement, t(8; 21), monosomy 7, trisomy 8, trisomy 11, trisomy 4, inversion (16), monosomy 16,16q deletion, 5q deletion, and 20q deletion were reported. Most of the literature about MS are case reports and small retrospective studies, thus there is limited clinical knowledge of the cases and their presentation and management plans. Here, we provide a review of what has been reported in the literature about MS in the light of our experiences.

Myeloid Sarcoma of the Paranasal Sinuses in a Patient with Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Myeloid sarcoma (MS) is an uncommon extramedullary malignant tumor, and often represents a subgroup of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). MS of paranasal sinus origin is extremely rare. We report an uncommon case of sinonasal MS associated with AML, who was successfully treated with hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation. A 39-year-old male was admitted with complaints of left nasal obstruction and proptosis. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging identified a left ethmoidal mass involving the maxillary sinus, the orbit, and the skull base. Nasal endoscopic examination detected a whitish homogeneous mass occupying the left nasal cavity. Although accumulation of atypical lymphocytes was suspected based on initial pathological inspection, immunohistochemical analysis showed myeloperoxidase-positive myeloid cells. Together with concomitant leukocytosis (149,000/µL) composed of myeloid blast cells and excess of myeloblasts in the bone marrow, the patient was diagnosed as sinonasal MS with AML with maturation (French-American-British Classification M2). The patient was treated by chemotherapy (remission induction therapy with daunorubicin and cytarabine; salvage chemotherapy with high-dose cytarabine), radiotherapy (30 Gy in 10 fractions) and allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation, and followed up for 12 months with no recurrence. Early diagnosis is critical for the best improvement of MS. MS of the paranasal sinuses may easily be misdiagnosed as malignant lymphoma or poorly differentiated carcinoma. Prompt hematological and immunohistological investigations with suspicion of MS are essential for correct diagnosis. Furthermore, we concisely review nine previously reported patients with MS and indicate the importance of hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation for good prognosis.

Leukemia in gastrointestinal organs as cause of treatment failure: 378 cases analyzed

Leukemia growing as tumors in gastrointestinal organs is an under-investigated cause of treatment failure and death. These present with symptoms often mistaken for common toxicities but may grow large before symptoms. To synthesize experience available only in case reports, 378 were analyzed. Invasive and metastatic behavior typical of solid GI tumors was revealed even when marrow was uninvolved. Within 3 months of diagnosis, 33% had died, 47% within 1 year. Survivals of 4 to 18 years after involvement suggest cure is possible. Evidence is presented that combined local and systemic therapy has successfully treated GI leukemic tumors when identified early.

A unique clinical presentation of de novo acute promyelocytic leukemia as a myeloid sarcoma of the breast

Myeloid sarcoma is a rare presentation of acute leukemia as a solid tumor at various extramedullary sites. It may present concurrently, before or after the onset of systemic bone marrow leukemia. Unusual clinical localization may lead to misdiagnosis, or delayed diagnosis and treatment. We describe the first case, to our knowledge, of de novo myeloid sarcoma of the breast confirmed as acute promyelocytic leukemia. Immunohistochemical analysis, flow cytometry, fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis and molecular analysis using RQ-PCR of tissue samples should be routine in determining the correct diagnosis in this setting.

Primary Myeloid Sarcoma of the Prostate: A Case Report and Literature Review

We report the case of a 73-year-old male with primary myeloid sarcoma (MS) of the prostate. He underwent remission-induction chemotherapy followed by conventional consolidation for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). One year after initial diagnosis, he was without evidence of AML, the longest reported period of time in the literature for a case of primary MS of the prostate. From 1985 to 2017, fifteen other cases of MS of the prostate have been reported and are reviewed here. Five cases occurred as primary MS, without evidence of AML on bone marrow examination or prior history of hematologic disorders, and progressed to AML within a range of three weeks to seven months. None of these cases were started on conventional chemotherapy for AML prior to progression. Due to its rarity, primary MS of the prostate is often diagnosed incidentally, but prompt AML-targeted treatment is crucial to delaying the progression to AML.

Massively Diffuse Multifocal Granulocytic Sarcoma in a Child with Acute Myeloid Leukemia

A case of granulocytic sarcoma in an 8-year-old boy with acute myeloid leukemia and t (8; 21) is reported. The case is of interest due to massive extension of the tumor, which may raise different diagnostic difficulties with other solid tumors such as lymphoma, Ewing sarcoma, and soft tissue sarcoma. Furthermore, the tumor was localized in some sites, such as the parotid region and peripheral nerves, which are not usually involved in granulocytic sarcoma. The case points out the diagnostic difficulties with this kind of tumor and appears to contribute to the identification of a subgroup of acute myeloid leukemia with peculiar features, such as M2 morphology with Auer rods, t (8; 21), granulocytic sarcoma and a poor prognosis.

Granulocytic Sarcoma with Myxoid Stroma. Report of a Case

A granulocytic sarcoma with myxoid features simulating a chondrosarcoma was detected in the left arm of a 59 years old man. It is suggested that extramedullary hematopoietic neoplasms such as granulocytic sarcoma may display, similarly to malignant lymphomas, non-specific sarcoma-like features that obscure the usual diagnostic characteristics.

Nonleukemic granulocytic sarcoma of orbit after blunt trauma: A case report and review of literature

RATIONALE

Granulocytic sarcoma without invasion of bone marrow or blood is very rare. The diagnosis of it is usually overlooked and the treatment has not reached a consensus. Meanwhile, the onset of this kind of disease is not clear.

PATIENT CONCERNS

Diagnose patients in early stage and help choose the right treatment strategies.

DIAGNOSES

The ultimate diagnosis was nonleukemic granulocytic sarcoma after blunt trauma.

INTERVENTIONS

Surgery was the initial treatment option. Chemotherapy including idarubicin (70 mg, D1-D3) and cytosine arabinoside (100 mg, D1-D7) and radiotherapy of total 3,060 cGy were then administered but failed to control the disease. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was finally administered.

OUTCOMES

No evidence of disease progression or spread according to the latest follow-up.

LESSONS

The etiology of nonleukemic granulocytic still remains unclear, though trauma seems to be a potential predisposing factor and deserves more attention for early diagnosis and timely and proper treatment. Systemic chemotherapy is more effective than radiotherapy or surgery. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is an alternative choice after the failure of chemotherapy.

Isolated Pancreatic Myeloid Sarcoma Associated with t(8;21)/RUNX1-RUNX1T1 Rearrangement

No valid treatment for isolated myeloid sarcoma (IMS) has yet been established, and no thorough genetic examinations have been performed because of its low incidence and unique manner of development. We herein report a 34-year-old man with pancreatic IMS with t(8;21)/RUNX1-RUNX1T1 rearrangement. He was treated with high-dose cytarabine followed by allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). This is the first report of pancreatic IMS with t(8;21). Positron emission tomography/computed tomography and genetic study are useful for the diagnosis, and allo-HSCT achieved complete remission in this patient.

Granulocytic Sarcomas: Difficulties in Diagnosis

Granulocytic sarcoma is an uncommon tumor composed of myeloid blasts and/or immature myeloid cells in an extramedullary site which is usually associated with acute or chronic myeloid leukemia. The tumor may also be the initial manifestation of leukemia. The histomorphological diagnosis of granulocytic sarcoma can be challenging to pathologists, especially in the absence of a known hematological disorder. In this case, differentiation of granulocytic sarcoma from malignant lymphomas and other small round cell tumors is very critical. Seven cases of granulocytic sarcoma are reported in this paper. One patient had granulocytic sarcomas at two different sites. Hematoxylin-eosin-stained sections were reexamined. Blastic, poorly differentiated, and well differentiated histopathological variants were found in two, five and one cases, respectively. Immunohistochemical studies were performed on formalin-fixed tissue from all cases using a avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex technique. The panel included antibodies against LCA, CD43, CD34, c-kit, myeloperoxidase, CD68 KP1, CD15, and CD99. All cases stained positively with LCA, CD43, CD34, myeloperoxidase, and CD68. Five cases were positive for c-kit, three cases were positive for CD15, and two cases were positive for CD99. An immunohistochemical panel including at least myeloperoxidase, CD68 and CD34 can be used for detection of myeloid differentiation. It is also important that granulocytic sarcoma be considered in the differential diagnosis of CD99-positive round cell tumors.

Radiotherapy for isolated granulocytic sarcoma: Case report and review of literature

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Isolated chloroma should be considered as a systemic disease.

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Consolidation radiotherapy has been related with prolonged failure free survival.

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Excellent local control of chloroma is achieved with low-dose radiotherapy.

Use of magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosis and after treatment of patients with myeloid sarcoma of the brain

The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess the utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for evaluating post-treatment responses in patients with myeloid sarcoma (MS) of the brain. We evaluated images from both conventional and advanced MR, including diffusion weighted imaging (DWI), arterial spin labeling (ASL) and susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI). Parameters of our qualitative review included lesion location, number, size, morphologic characteristics, surrounding edema, mass effect, pattern and degree of enhancement, ± restricted diffusion, ±susceptibility artifact and ± higher perfusion. Our quantitative assessments were calculated from DW and ASL MR images. The 10 patients had a total of 40 lesions in their brains (mean lesion size of 2.0 ± 0.8 cm). The majority of cases exhibited restricted diffusion (90%) and mild-to-moderate low perfusion (80%). Follow-up MRI after chemotherapy revealed that most lesions (80%) were significantly alleviated after two chemotherapy courses and further improved after four courses. Only a few lesions (5%) were residual after six courses. These findings demonstrate that brain MS can be characterized by changes in various MRI parameters and that MRI can be a useful and predictive assessment tool for brain MS diagnosis and treatment management.

Clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of isolated myeloid sarcoma without bone marrow involvement: a single-institution experience

Background

Isolated myeloid sarcoma (MS) is a rare extramedullary tumor mass composed of malignant myeloid precursor cells without any evidence of leukemia in the peripheral blood and bone marrow. We describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients diagnosed with isolated MS at our institution.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 9 of 497 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients (1.8%) with isolated MS. Isolated MS patients were divided into 2 groups according to the first-line treatment strategy: systemic treatment only (S) or local treatment with or without systemic treatment (LS).

Results

The most common site of MS occurrence was the head and neck area (N=4, 44.4%), followed by the anterior mediastinum (N=2, 22.2%) and the gastrointestinal tract (N=2, 22.2%). The tumors of 4 patients (44.4%) eventually evolved to AML, in a median time of 13.4 months (range, 2.4–20.1 mo). The number of patients achieving complete remission after first-line treatment was higher in the LS group (N=5, 83.3%) than in the S group (N=1, 33.3%) (P =0.226). All patients in the LS group survived, but those in the S group died (P=0.012).

Conclusion

Accurate and rapid diagnosis using various modalities and the early initiation of intensive combined treatment may be the optimal strategies to reduce the risk of isolated MS subsequently evolving to AML. To fully understand the characteristics of isolated MS, a larger number of patients from a multinational study is necessary.

Myeloid Sarcoma: Presentation, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Myeloid sarcoma is an extramedullary tumor of immature granulocytic cells. It is a rare condition, most often associated with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), although in some rare cases it may present in nonleukemic patients. It should therefore be considered as a differential diagnosis of any atypical cellular infiltrate. It may occur at any site, leading to very varied clinical presentations. Diagnosis is challenging and relies on a high index of suspicion as well as radiology, histology, immunophenotyping, and molecular analyses, which also are essential for risk stratification and treatment planning. Systemic chemotherapy using AML-like regimens should be commenced early, even in nonleukemic disease. Surgery and/or radiotherapy may be indicated for symptomatic lesions or tumors causing local organ dysfunction or obstruction. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has demonstrated promising results, particularly in patients who achieved complete remission with AML-induction protocols, and recent advances in genetic profiling may enable the development of novel targeted therapies. Prospective multicenter controlled trials are required to further refine management decisions and investigate the role of novel targeted therapies.

Role of FDG PET/CT in Diagnostic Evaluation of Granulocytic Sarcomas: A Series of 12 Patients

OBJECTIVE

Granulocytic sarcoma (GS) is a rare extramedullary manifestation in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which can precede the diagnosis or occur in the posttreatment setting. Unlike its established role in other hematological malignancies like Hodgkin's on non-Hodgkin's disease, the exact role of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in AML with or without GS remains to be defined.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed PET/CT scans of 12 patients with histologically proven GS. Marrow examination of these patients identified nine patients with isolated GS (without existent leukemia) and three patients with coexistent leukemia.

RESULTS

PET/CT accurately identified all clinically evident GS in all 12 patients at initial staging and at follow-up with tumors, showing moderate to high 2-deoxy-2-fluoro-D-glucose uptake. Coexistent marrow disease was seen on PET/CT in three patients, which was confirmed on histopathology. In the same patients, PET/CT also detected additional sites of extramedullary disease in 66.6% (n = 8), which was either clinically occult or not evident on routine CT.

CONCLUSION

PET/CT appears to be a highly sensitive imaging modality in diagnostic evaluation of GS. The most important indication of using PET/CT in these cases is to identify additional sites of clinically occult extramedullary disease, which can potentially impact treatment decisions and outcomes.

Characteristics and Survival Outcome Analysis of Extramedullary Involvement in Adult Patients With t(8;21) Acute Myeloid Leukemia

BACKGROUND

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with t(8;21)(q22;q22) is classified into a favorable-risk group. Extramedullary (EM) involvement has frequently been reported in this subgroup as resulting in a poor prognosis. However, characteristics or standard treatments of t(8;21) AML with EM involvement (EM-positive t(8;21)) have not yet been elucidated.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 154 adult AML patients with t(8;21). Among them, 17 were EM positive and 137 were EM negative at the time of diagnosis. EM involvement was evaluated only when a patient showed suspicious signs or symptoms. All EM-positive patients were treated according to a strategy based on allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT).

RESULTS

Central nervous system was the most frequently involved site (70.6%). EM-positive t(8;21) was associated with age ≤ 45 years, leukocytosis (≥ 30 × 10⁹/L), and c-kit mutation compared to EM-negative t(8;21) in multivariate analysis. After intensive chemotherapy with or without local therapy, high-risk t(8;21) AML including EM-positive t(8;21) underwent allo-HCT for postremission therapy. Three-year OS (52.3% vs. 60.0%, P = .658) and event-free survival (51.5% vs. 58.0%, P = .496) were not different between the 2 groups. The subgroup of patients who underwent allo-HCT also showed similar outcomes.

CONCLUSION

EM-positive t(8;21) was associated with young age, leukocytosis, and c-kit mutation, and central nervous system was frequently involved. Allo-HCT resulted in good outcomes in EM-positive t(8;21).

De novo myeloid sarcoma involving mandible in a child: Report of a rare occurrence

Myeloid sarcoma (MS) is a rare malignant disease defined as extramedullary infiltration of immature myeloid cells. We reporte a 2-year-old male of isolated MS who presented with swelling over the left side of the body of the mandible. Proper histological examination and adequate panels of immunohistochemical stain led to the accurate diagnosis. Early intervention with systemic chemotherapy regimens based on cytarabine is the treatment of choice. The role of chromosomal aberrations and genetic abnormality related to prognosis remain uncertain.