Presentation of acute promyelocytic leukemia as granulocytic sarcoma

Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2008 Mar;50(3):657-60. doi: 10.1002/pbc.21190.

Abstract

Granulocytic sarcoma (GS) is a localized tumor composed of immature myeloid cells. This extramedullary tumor can present before, concurrent with or after the diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia. GS is extremely uncommon in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). As a proportion of patients never develop systemic disease, correct and timely diagnosis may be rather difficult, but is a prerequisite for optimal outcome. GS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of children with unusual bone lesions. We describe a patient with GS who presented with symptoms mimicking osteomyelytis or rheumatoid disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Arthritis, Psoriatic / diagnosis
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis
  • Diagnostic Errors*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute / complications*
  • Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute / diagnosis
  • Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute / drug therapy
  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion / analysis
  • Osteolysis / etiology
  • Osteomyelitis / diagnosis
  • Remission Induction
  • Sarcoma, Myeloid / drug therapy
  • Sarcoma, Myeloid / etiology*
  • Shoulder Pain / etiology
  • Tretinoin / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion
  • promyelocytic leukemia-retinoic acid receptor alpha fusion oncoprotein
  • Tretinoin