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Orbital granulocytic sarcoma in an elderly patient
L M Watkins1, H D Remulla, P A Rubin
1Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02114, USA.
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|June 1, 1997
Summary
Orbital granulocytic sarcoma, a rare complication of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), can occur in older adults. This case highlights a 71-year-old woman experiencing this rare AML manifestation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Ophthalmology
- Hematology
Background:
- Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is a hematologic malignancy.
- Granulocytic sarcoma is an extramedullary tumor of myeloid blasts.
- Orbital involvement is a rare but serious complication of AML.
Observation:
- A 71-year-old woman in remission from AML presented with acute proptosis and decreased vision in the right eye.
- Ocular imaging revealed an extraconal orbital mass compressing the optic nerve.
- Surgical excision of the mass was performed for diagnosis and decompression.
Findings:
- Histopathologic and immunohistochemical analyses confirmed orbital granulocytic sarcoma.
- The patient received chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
- Vision stabilized, and proptosis resolved following treatment.
Implications:
- Orbital granulocytic sarcoma is typically diagnosed in pediatric patients with AML.
- This case underscores the rare occurrence of orbital granulocytic sarcoma in elderly patients with a history of AML.
- Highlights the importance of considering granulocytic sarcoma in the differential diagnosis of orbital masses in AML patients, regardless of age.