Myeloid Sarcoma: An Unusual Presentation of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Causing Spinal Cord Compression
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-1-2012
Abstract
Acute promyelocytic leukemia with concurrent myeloid sarcoma is a rare clinical event. Herein we describe a patient that presented with back pain and bilateral leg weakness caused by spinal cord compression due to extramedullary deposition of leukemic cells. Acute promyelocytic leukemia was suspected based on immunophenotypic findings of malignant cells in bone marrow aspirate. The diagnosis was confirmed by the presence of PML-RARα fusion copies. MRI showed multiple hyperintense changes on the vertebral bodies, together with intraspinal masses causing spinal cord compression. The patient immediately underwent radiotherapy, and was treated with all-trans retinoic acid and idarubicin. Reassessment MRI showed complete resolution of all intraspinal masses and the disappearance of most of the bony lesions. Post-treatment bone marrow aspirate showed complete hematological and molecular remission. The motor power of his legs fully recovered from 0/5 to 5/5; however, sensory loss below the T4 level persisted.
Keywords
Myeloid sarcoma, Promyelocytic leukemia, Cord compression, Chloroma
Divisions
fac_med
Publication Title
Turkish Journal of Hematology
Volume
29
Issue
3
Publisher
Galenos Yayinevi