Intradural Extramedullary Tumor Causing Compression of the Thoracic and Lumbar Vertebrae in a 22-year-old Male with Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Abstract

Myeloid sarcoma, characterized by the presence of immature myeloid cells occurring at an extramedullary site, is a rare manifestation of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Spinal cord compression as an initial presentation of AML is very rare with only a few reported cases. We discuss a case of a 22-year-old male who presented with bicytopenia and paraplegia. Workups were consistent with AML with monocytic differentiation. Chromosomal analysis revealed loss of Y and t (8;21). Spinal cord MRI showed intradural extramedullary-enhancing soft tissue lesions at levels T2 to T7 and L5 to S1, suspected to be myeloid sarcoma. Patient, however, succumbed to severe nosocomial infection prior to initiation of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.