Sacral canal myeloid sarcoma as initial manifestation of granulocytic leukemia: MRI features and differential diagnosis (with a case report)

Abstract

Myeloid sarcoma initially occurring in the sacral canal is often misdiagnosed as other pathological tumors on MRI due to the lack of a definite history or clinical evidence of granulocytic leukemia. Here, we report a case of 24-year-old male patient with myeloid sarcoma misdiagnosed radiologically. On MRI, sacral myeloid sarcoma is characterized by homogeneous signal intensity, marked enhancement, and the lack of cystic degeneration, calcification and necrosis. Based on our study of this patient and review of the relevant literature, we believe that these MRI features in the sacral region may help us differentiate it from other pathological tumors, which could prompt further clinical examinations to confirm the diagnosis of granulocytic leukemia.