Epidural Granulocytic Sarcoma presenting as Thoracic Spinal Cord Compression: Case Report

STUDY DESIGN: A case report OBJECTIVES: This case report presents a patient with thoracic spinal cord compression, who had been on regular follow-up after being diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: A granulocytic sarcoma is a rare tumor that occurs in the extramedullary sites, forming a localized lesion with a predilection in the orbit, sinus and periosteum. It rarely involves the central nervous system, particularly spinal cord. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For myelodysplastic syndrome, the patient underwent a bone marrow transplant for the condition. He was placed on conservative treatment until he developed sudden abdominal pain. He was admitted to our hospital through the emergency department. On the 2nd hospital day he complained of increasing weakness in his lower extremities. He underwent an emergency decompression of the spinal cord and his motor weakness completely disappeared. RESULTS: No signs of recurrence were found on the follow up performed at 2 years and 6 months. CONCLUSION: Epidural granulocytic sarcoma is rare but can be treated successfully.

A Case of Spinal Epidural Granulocytic Sarcoma with Acute Paraparesis: A Case Report

A rare case of spinal epidural granulocytic sarcoma preceding acute myelogenous leukemia is described. A 21 years old female patient was presented with acute paraparesis. An emergency decompressive laminectomy with removal of mass was performed. The final pathological diagnosis was granulocytic sarcoma. Her neurological symptoms and signs were improved after operation. This rare tumor should be considered in the differential diagnosis of an epidural mass with cord compression in patients with or without acute leukemia, because early diagnosis followed by appropriate combined chemotherapy and radiation may obviate surgical intervention and eventually prevent leukemic transformation.