[Acute leukemia with cardiac infiltration].

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Cardiology

Background:

• Leukemia is a cancer of the blood or bone marrow.
• Malnutrition can complicate the presentation and management of pediatric cancers.

Observation:

• A 9-year-old malnourished female presented with symptoms suggestive of leukemia.
• Pericarditis with effusion, linked to leukemic infiltration, was the primary clinical issue during hospitalization.

Findings:

• Leukemic infiltration of the pericardium led to pericarditis and effusion.
• Cardiorespiratory failure resulted from leukemic infiltration and postoperative hemorrhage.

Implications:

• This case highlights the diverse clinical manifestations of leukemia in children.
• Early recognition of cardiac involvement in pediatric leukemia is crucial for timely intervention.