Presentation of acute promyelocytic leukemia as granulocytic sarcoma

Granulocytic sarcoma (GS) is a localized tumor composed of immature myeloid cells. This extramedullary tumor can present before, concurrent with or after the diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia. GS is extremely uncommon in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). As a proportion of patients never develop systemic disease, correct and timely diagnosis may be rather difficult, but is a prerequisite for optimal outcome. GS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of children with unusual bone lesions. We describe a patient with GS who presented with symptoms mimicking osteomyelytis or rheumatoid disease.