Probable myeloblastic leukemoid reaction with disseminated sarcoidosis

A 55-year-old woman had progressive weakness, weight loss, night sweats, fever, right-sided facial weakness, and hepatomegaly. Reticulonodular infiltrates were seen on chest x-ray film and a central filling defect was noted on liver scan. Study of the peripheral blood was noted on liver scan. Study of the peripheral blood revealed pancytopenia and myeloblasts. The bone marrow was not markedly hypercellular but contained noncaseating granulomas and myeloblasts. The patient's condition deteriorated and she died on the 22nd hospital day. Autopsy disclosed disseminated sarcoidosis but no evidence of leukemic infiltrates. Although concomitant "smoldering" acute leukemia cannot be ruled out, the findings in this patient can be best explained on the basis of a myeloblastic leukemoid reaction accompanying sarcoidosis.