Extramedullary myeloid tumour (EMMT) of the gallbladder

J Clin Pathol. 2005 Feb;58(2):211-3. doi: 10.1136/jcp.2004.019729.

Abstract

This report describes a rare case of an extramedullary myeloid tumour (EMMT) of the gallbladder in a patient without leukaemia. A 33 year old man visited a local hospital because of jaundice. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a tumorous mass measuring 6.0 x 4.5 cm and involving the entire gallbladder. A percutaneous needle biopsy was attempted, but because adenocarcinoma could not be completely ruled out, the use of undue force was considered dangerous. Under a preoperative diagnosis of gallbladder carcinoma, a hepatopancreatoduodenectomy was performed. The tumour cells exhibited various amounts of eosinophilic cytoplasm, had medium sized round nuclei with indentation and grooving, and were strongly immunoreactive for myeloperoxidase, CD43, and c-kit protein (CD117). After surgery, the patient underwent combination chemotherapy as prescribed for cases of acute myeloblastic leukaemia. The patient did not develop acute leukaemia during a follow up period of four years. In conclusion, a correct diagnosis of EMMT can be made using appropriate immunohistochemical staining.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antigens, CD / analysis
  • Combined Modality Therapy / methods
  • Gallbladder Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Gallbladder Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Gallbladder Neoplasms / therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry / methods
  • Male
  • Sarcoma, Myeloid / diagnosis*
  • Sarcoma, Myeloid / diagnostic imaging
  • Sarcoma, Myeloid / therapy
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antigens, CD