Benjazia E, Khalifa M, Benabdelkader A, Laatiri A, Braham A, Letaief A, Bahri F. Granulocytic sarcoma of the rectum: Report of one case that presented with rectal bleeding. World J Gastrointest Pathophysiol 2010; 1(4): 144-146 [PMID: 21607155 DOI: 10.4291/wjgp.v1.i4.144]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Elhem Benjazia, MD, Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Farhat Hached, Sousse 4000, Tunisia. elhem.benjazia@rns.tn
Article-Type of This Article
Case Report
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Elhem Benjazia, Mabrouk Khalifa, Ahlem Braham, Fethi Bahri, Amel Letaief, Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious disease, University Hospital Farhat Hached, Sousse 4000, Tunisia
Adnene Laatiri, Hematology Department, University Hospital of F Bourguiba. Mounastir 5000, Tunisia
Author contributions: Benjazia E and Khalifa M contributed equally to this work; Benabdelkader A and Laatiri A analyzed the data; and Braham A, Letaief A and Bahri F designed this research.
Correspondence to: Elhem Benjazia, MD, Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Farhat Hached, Sousse 4000, Tunisia. elhem.benjazia@rns.tn
Telephone: +216-73-211183 Fax: +216-73-211183
Received: February 23, 2010 Revised: August 12, 2010 Accepted: August 19, 2010 Published online: October 15, 2010
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.
