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Acute Myeloid Leukemia Presenting as a Posterior Fossa Tumor
Magimairajan Issai Vanan1, Jie Li2, Martin Bunge3
1Departments of Pediatrics and Child Health.
Abstract:
Extramedullary leukemia in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia can manifest as a myeloid sarcoma (MS), also known as granulocytic sarcoma or chloroma, in a variety of sites, or as leukemic blasts in the cerebrospinal fluid. Isolated MS of the central nervous system is rare. We report a case of acute myeloid leukemia with central nervous system-MS presenting as a posterior fossa mass mimicking a primary intracranial tumor.
Insights
Pediatric acute myeloid leukemia can present as myeloid sarcoma (MS) in the central nervous system. We describe a rare case of acute myeloid leukemia with CNS-MS mimicking a brain tumor.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Hematology
- Neuropathology
Background:
- Extramedullary leukemia in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) can manifest as myeloid sarcoma (MS) or leukemic blasts in cerebrospinal fluid.
- Myeloid sarcoma, also known as granulocytic sarcoma or chloroma, represents a localized extramedullary tumorous infiltration of myeloid blasts.
Observation:
- Isolated central nervous system (CNS) myeloid sarcoma is an uncommon presentation of pediatric AML.
- We present a rare case of a pediatric patient with AML and CNS-MS.
Findings:
- The patient's CNS-MS presented as a posterior fossa mass.
- This presentation mimicked a primary intracranial tumor, highlighting a diagnostic challenge.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering MS in the differential diagnosis of pediatric posterior fossa masses.
- Early recognition and diagnosis of CNS-MS are crucial for appropriate management and treatment of pediatric AML.
- Further research into the specific mechanisms and optimal treatment strategies for CNS-MS in pediatric AML is warranted.

