Myeloid sarcoma is a rare extramedullary tumor of immature myeloid cells that is often associated with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We herein report an 81-year-old man who presented with intestinal obstruction due to myeloid sarcoma of the small intestine. Diagnostic challenges were overcome using double-balloon enteroscopy and a biopsy, which confirmed the diagnosis of myeloid sarcoma. The patient subsequently developed AML but responded well to chemotherapy. This case underscores the importance of considering myeloid sarcoma in the differential diagnosis of small-bowel tumors. Highlighting the significance of a histological analysis, even in patients presenting with small bowel obstruction, the early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes, particularly in patients without a history of hematologic malignancies.
Keywords: acute myeloid leukemia; double-balloon enteroscopy; myeloid sarcoma; small intestine.