Granulocytic sarcoma presenting as cauda equina syndrome

Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 1998 Sep;100(3):205-8. doi: 10.1016/s0303-8467(98)00021-3.

Abstract

Granulocytic sarcoma (GS) is a tumour formed by myeloid precursors in an extramedullary site and is associated with myeloid leukaemias and other myeloproliferative disorders. We present a patient with symptoms of cauda equina compression where MRI of the spine showed extradural lesions at S1 and L3 levels. This patient had normal bone marrow and peripheral blood for a further 6 weeks from onset of symptoms. Such aleukaemic presentations of GS are rare and have potential for misdiagnosis and delay in treatment. Therefore we recommended early open biopsy of such tumours.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Bone Marrow / pathology
  • Cauda Equina*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Monocytic, Acute / diagnosis*
  • Leukemia, Monocytic, Acute / therapy
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / diagnosis*
  • Reoperation
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed