Head and Neck ImagingChloroma
(also called granulocytic sarcoma),
malignant tumour consisting of myeloblasts. The name chloroma refers to the green colour seen when these tumours are sectioned. Tumours may be multiple. In the head and neck, it has been reported as osseous lesions in the skull, face, orbit and
paranasal sinuses; it can also occur as an extramedullary
tumour. These neoplasms usually occur simultaneously with, or follow the onset of, acute myeloid leukaemia (
AML). Rarely, they are the first manifestation of
AML. Chloroma may also be the first sign of transformation to
AML in patients with chronic myeloproliferative disorders and myelodysplastic syndromes. A chloroma appears as a homogeneous, enhancing mass
lesion on
CT, and shows no specific characteristics on
MRI.
RH