Published online Feb 21, 2015. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i7.2242
Peer-review started: July 2, 2014
First decision: July 21, 2014
Revised: August 10, 2014
Accepted: October 15, 2014
Article in press: October 15, 2014
Published online: February 21, 2015
Processing time: 224 Days and 16.5 Hours
Myeloid sarcomas (MS) involve extramedullary blast proliferation from one or more myeloid lineages that replace the original tissue architecture, and these neoplasias are called granulocytic sarcomas, chloromas or extramedullary myeloid tumors. Such tumors develop in lymphoid organs, bones (e.g., skulls and orbits), skin, soft tissue, various mucosae, organs, and the central nervous system. Gastrointestinal (GI) involvement is rare, while the occurrence of myeloid sarcomas in patients without leukemia is even rare. Here, we report a case of a 38-year-old man who presented with epigastric pain and progressive jaundice. An upper GI endoscopy had shown extensive multifocal hyperemic fold thickening and the spread of nodular lesions in the body of the stomach. Biopsies from the gastric lesions indicated myeloid sarcoma of the stomach. However, concurrent peripheral blood and bone marrow examinations showed no evidence of acute myeloid leukemia. For diagnosis, the immunohistochemical markers must be checked when evaluating a suspected myeloid sarcoma case. Accurate MS diagnosis determines the appropriate therapy and prognosis.
Core tip: Myeloid sarcomas (MS) are extramedullary tumors of myeloblasts, myeloid precursors, and neutrophils in various combinations. MS may be an initial indication for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), or they present during leukemic relapses. The small intestine is a relatively common location for these tumors, and their usual presentation includes abdominal pain from a small bowel obstruction. Gastric MS are rarely reported. Here, we report a rare case of gastric MS without AML. The diagnosis was verified by biopsies of the gastric tissues and bone marrow and immunohistochemical staining.