Introduction
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogenous hematologic malignancy characterized by clonal proliferation of immature myeloid cells.1 In rare cases, AML can manifest as myeloid sarcoma (MS), an extramedullary collection of myeloid tumor cells. MS, synonymous with extramedullary AML, is less common in adults, and occurs in approximately 2.5-9.1% of AML patients.2 It can present concurrently with systemic disease or, rarely, as the sole manifestation before the onset of systemic disease.2When MS precedes systemic involvement, it may take months before the disease manifests in the blood or the bone marrow, leading to significant diagnostic challenges and delayed recognition. The prognostic significance of MS is still debated, and current treatment recommendations typically follow established protocols for systemic AML.2–4
Although myeloid sarcomas can develop in various tissues and organs,5,6 there is limited data on extramedullary AML affecting the head and neck region, with most information available in the form of case reports.7 Herein, we describe an unusual otologic case of an adult AML patient, who presented with an isolated involvement of the temporal bone after being in complete remission (CR) of systemic disease for more than a year. The clinical, radiological, and pathological features are discussed, highlighting the importance of considering differential diagnoses and implementing appropriate management strategies in similar cases.