[Orbital granulocytic sarcoma: case report].

Abstract

Orbital granulocytic sarcoma is a localized tumor consisting of malignant cells of myeloid origin. This tumor may present in association with acute myelogenous leukemia. Granulocytic sarcoma may be found in a variety of locations throughout the body including the orbit and typically affects children and young adults. There is a slight male predominance in these cases. This is an uncommon case report of a 33-year-old Latin-American woman who was admitted to the Hospital for rapidly progressive orbital proptosis. There was no systemic manifestation of leukemia. The occurrence of orbital granulocytic sarcoma before the development of systemic leukemia in children and young adults is not uncommon and these cases frequently develop hematological evidence within 2 months after initial orbital disease. In this case report, there was no systemic manifestation of leukemia in the last 30 months, even in the presence of orbital tumors. Granulocytic sarcoma is most frequently confused with malignant lymphoma, rhabdomyosarcoma and neuroblastoma. The differential diagnosis of these cases can be challenging, particularly when there is no evidence of systemic leukemia, when imaging features are not sufficiently specific to distinguish granulocytic neoplasms from other tumors. To establish the diagnosis often a biopsy is required. The treatment in such cases (orbital granulocytic sarcoma) is not standardized. Orbital granulocytic sarcoma may be suspected in cases of orbital tumors even in the absence of systemic manifestations of leukemia at any age.