Chloroma- Myelosarcoma or Leukemic Nerve Tumor?

Abstract

Following our review on leukemia and the nervous system we would like to draw your attention to a rare manifestation of leukemia termed historically chloroma (CH) or myelosarcoma, which can rarely affect the cranial nerves and the peripheral nerves. These rare associations of leukemia and the peripheral nervous system, can occur in all stages of leukemia, as the first manifestation [1], as recurrence [2] and post bone marrow transplant. Most frequently CH are seen in AML, less frequent CML, but also in OMF. They can also appear isolated, and leave room for speculations why leukemia can covert from a liquid into a solid tumor, and why the presentation can be in peripheral nerves. Chloromas, myelosarcomas or leukemic tumors are rare [3-5] and present at many sites of the body. Compared to lymphomas focal nerve lesion in leukemia are rare [6].