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Spinal intramedullary granulocytic sarcoma: magnetic resonance imaging
1Department of Pediatrics, Chonnam University Medical School, Kwangju, Korea.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
|January 1, 1993
Summary
This case report details spinal intramedullary granulocytic sarcoma (GS) in acute myelogenous leukemia. Familiarity with its MRI findings can help avoid surgery due to treatment sensitivity.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Hematology
- Radiology
Background:
- Granulocytic sarcoma (GS) is a rare extramedullary tumor composed of myeloblasts.
- It can occur in patients with or without acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).
- Spinal intramedullary involvement is exceptionally rare.
Observation:
- A case of spinal intramedullary GS in a patient with AML is presented.
- Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed an isointense signal on T1-weighted images.
- The mass showed slightly higher intensity on T2-weighted images.
Findings:
- Contrast enhancement with gadolinium (Gd)-DTPA was observed.
- This enhancement pattern differs from previous reports where GS was not enhanced.
- MR findings are crucial for diagnosing spinal tumors.
Implications:
- High index of suspicion for GS in leukemic patients with spinal symptoms is warranted.
- Familiarity with GS MR findings can aid in diagnosis.
- Non-surgical management (radiation and chemotherapy) is effective for GS, potentially obviating surgery.