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. 2010 Oct 15;1(4):144-6.
doi: 10.4291/wjgp.v1.i4.144.

Granulocytic sarcoma of the rectum: Report of one case that presented with rectal bleeding

Elhem Benjazia  1 , Mabrouk Khalifa, Atef Benabdelkader, Adnene Laatiri, Ahlem Braham, Amel Letaief, Fethi Bahri
Affiliations

Granulocytic sarcoma of the rectum: Report of one case that presented with rectal bleeding

Elhem Benjazia et al. World J Gastrointest Pathophysiol. .

Abstract

Granulocytic sarcoma is an uncommon and localized extramedullary tumor composed of immature granulocytic cells. It may present in association with acute myeloid leukaemia, myelodysplastic syndrome and chronic myelogenous leukaemia. Granulocytic sarcoma may occur in any anatomical site but involvement of the gastrointestinal tract is rare, especially in the rectum. We report on the case of a 17 year old female who presented with rectal bleeding, abdominal pain and weight loss one mo prior to admission. Rectosigmoidoscopy revealed a rectal polypoid and ulcerated mass. The histological examination of the mass showed granulocytic sarcoma. Bone marrow examination was compatible with acute promyelocytic leukaemia (FAB type M3). This case report is a reminder of this peculiar sign of tumoral syndrome in acute myeloid leukaemia. We also discuss diagnostic methods and analyze the disease course.

Keywords: Acute myeloid leukaemia; Chemotherapy; Gastrointestinal bleeding; Granulocytic sarcoma; Rectum.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
A rectal polypoid and ulcerated mass budding through the anal verge.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Tumoral cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm, round or convoluted nuclei with fine chromatin and one or more fine nucleolus (HE stain × 400).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Cytoplasmic expression of myeloperoxydase (brown staining × 400).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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