Granulocytic sarcoma of the orbit. Report of a case

Abstract

A 14-year-old youth had a 2 month history of proptosis of the left eye when he developed pain in the left thigh. Physical examination revealed a mass involving the left orbit and a neurologic deficit suggestive of involvement of the left lumbosacral plexus. The mass, a left frontal epidural tumor, was removed surgically. Subsequently, he developed marked anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute granulocytic leukemia. He was treated with various anticancer agents but he did not respond well and he expired two months later. Postmortem examination revealed anaplatic granulocytic cells infiltrating numerous tissues including the conjunctiva, choroid, and leptomeninges. Marked degenerative changes of the left retina and bilateral papilledema were evident.