INTRATHORACIC GRANULOCYTIC SARCOMAS

Recent trends in the treatment of intrathoracic granulocytic sarcoma ( IGS) call for an overview of its radiographic manifestations. Nine pat ients from our institution and a review of 41 from the literature prov ide the basis of our conclusions on the typical and atypical appearanc e of IGS. Of the nine patients with IGS, all had chest radiographs. fi ve had computed tomographic (CT) scans, and one had magnetic resonance (MK) scans. Radiographic studies and medical records were examined to establish the site and appearance of IGS. Three cases were histologic ally proved; in the others, the diagnosis was based on clinical presen tation and response io chemotherapy. The mediastinum was the most comm on site of involvement (six of nine cases). A focal mass or mediastina l widening was visible on chest radiographs, and a focal mass or diffu se infiltration or replacement of fat was visible on chest CT. Less co mmon sites of involvement were the lungs (two cases), the pleura (two) , the pericardium (two), and the hila (two). Mediastinal or hilar mass or mediastinal widening is the characteristic finding in IGS. Less co mmon manifestations such as pleural and pericardial effusions and lung opacities should be confirmed histologically, since fluid or tissue i s readily accessible.