Myeloblastoma and acute myelogenous leukemia:Presentation with a cervical neuropathy and complete response to chemotherapy

Abstract

Myeloblastoma is an uncommon complication of acute and chronic myelogenous leukemia. This is report of a 25-year-old man who was seen with simultaneous acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and a myeloblastoma involving right-sided C7 and C8 nerve roots. The myeloblastoma, visible as a left apical mass on chest radiogram, resolved completely after six days of intensive AML induction chemotherapy. The patient subsequently had a complete remission with total resolution of all neurologic deficits. He remains in remission now 2° years after initial diagnosis. An abnormal karyotype was present initially which became normal following chemotherapy. This case is an unusual example of myeloblastoma with peripheral nerve involvement. It illustrates that complete and durable resolution of these myeloblastic tumors can be achieved by intensive chemotherapy alone.