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.