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Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Detection of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Haematological Malignancy Patients by using Lateral-flow Technology
Published on: March 22, 2012
[Acute myeloid leukemia with pulmonary manifestation]
E Schalk1, A Franke, M Koenigsmann
1Klinik für Hämatologie/Onkologie, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg.
Background:
Extramedullary manifestations of leukemias are often misinterpreted. The prognosis of pulmonary manifested leukemias is poor.
Case Report:
A 57-year-old female patient was admitted to our hospital because of refractory pneumonia and the suspicion of acute leukemia. The diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML, FAB M5a) was derived from bone marrow aspiration. The radiograph and the computed tomography of the chest showed infiltrations of both lungs. The cytologic aspect of a bronchoalveolar lavage was dominated by leukemic blasts, therefore AML with pulmonary manifestation was diagnosed. Cytotoxic therapy with cytarabine/idarubicin was combined with prednisolone. In the course of treatment the pulmonary function improved and radiographic alterations diminished significantly. After induction therapy complete haematological remission (CR) was shown by bone marrow aspiration. Two consolidation therapies followed. Unfortunately, the patient died four months after CR in a local hospital.
Conclusions:
The pulmonary manifestation of AML can be diagnosed by bronchoscopy. In contrast to the literature the initial course of the disease in this case was favourable possibly due to the addition of prednisolone to the cytotoxic treatment.
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