An Unusual Case of Vomiting Caused by Myeloid Sarcoma

Abstract

Myeloid sarcoma is an extramedullary mass consisting of myeloblasts that may present simultaneously or precede a bone marrow disorder. It has been reported to occur without a known preexisting diagnosis of acute leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome or a myeloproliferative neoplasm and this is known as primary myeloid sarcoma. Here, we report a case of an 80-year-old male who presented with intermittent vomiting and significant weight loss for 3 months. The imaging and histological findings were consistent with a mesenteric myeloid sarcoma encasing the coeliac trunk and superior mesenteric artery, abutting and obstructing the proximal small bowel, causing subacute bowel obstruction. Systemic chemotherapy with low dose cytarabine achieved a reduction in the size of myeloid sarcoma and improved patient’s symptomatology but unfortunately our patient succumbed to progression 11 months later.