Acute myelomonocytic leukaemia with infiltrative peripheral neuropathy

The case of a 71-year-old woman with acute myelomonocytic leukaemia and severe pains in her arms, legs and back during treatment is described. Signs of a generalized polyneuropathy subsequently developed. Autopsy revealed massive leukaemic infiltration of peripheral nerves. Peripheral nerve involvement in acute leukaemia appears to be rare as judged from the very few previously reported cases. The condition should be suspected whenever inexplicable pain problems and signs of peripheral neuropathy occur in patients with acute leukaemia.