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Acute myelogenous leukemia and acute leukemic appendicitis: a case report
Po-Jen Hsiao1, Shih-Ming Kuo, Jia-Hong Chen
1Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taiwan, China.
World Journal of Gastroenterology
|November 26, 2009
Summary
Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) relapse can mimic appendicitis. This case highlights rare appendix involvement by myeloblasts, leading to a fatal outcome.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
- Pathology
Background:
- Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) can infiltrate the gastrointestinal tract.
- Appendiceal involvement by leukemia is an infrequent clinical presentation.
Observation:
- A male patient in partial remission from AML presented with symptoms suggestive of acute appendicitis.
- The patient's condition was the initial manifestation of leukemia relapse.
Findings:
- Pathological examination of the appendix revealed transmural infiltrates of myeloblasts.
- This finding confirmed a diagnosis of leukemia relapse.
Implications:
- Appendiceal leukemic infiltration, though uncommon, should be considered in patients with leukemia presenting with abdominal pain.
- Early recognition and management of such presentations are crucial for patient outcomes.
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Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
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