Isolated meningeal chloroma (granulocytic sarcoma) - a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Isolated chloromas (granulocytic sarcomas) are rare tumors, most of them progressing to acute myeloblastic leukemia within months. There are still no conclusive treatment strategies for this entity; however, early antileukemic chemotherapy seems to lower the probability of developing systemic disease and prolong survival. We report on a patient with isolated meningeal chloroma, primarily misdiagnosed as a high-grade Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Two cycles of antileukemic induction chemotherapy were administered, followed by local irradiation and intensified consolidation therapy with autologous stem cell transplantation. After 20 months, he is still in complete remission.