Granulocytic sarcoma of the lung in acute myeloid leukemia.

BACKGROUND Granulocytic sarcoma, an uncommon solid, extra-medullary tumor is a rare presentation of acute myeloid leukemia. CASE CHARACTERISTICS A seven-year old boy admitted to the hospital for treatment of leukemia having radiological findings of consolidation in one lung. OBSERVATION/INTERVENTION A bronchoalveolar lavage was done which was negative for tubercular, bacterial, and fungal infection but showed blast cells. OUTCOME On day seven of chemotherapy, a repeat chest x-ray showed resolution of the lesion. A high-resolution Computerized tomography of chest repeated after one month of induction showed resolution. MESSAGE A consolidation on chest radiograph in acute myeloid leukemia can be a granulocytic sarcoma of the lung; a bronchoalveolar lavage may be offered to confirm or refute this diagnosis.