Acute myeloid leukemia with leukemic pleural effusion

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Oncology
• Pathology

Background:

• Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) can present with extramedullary tumor growth, known as myeloid sarcoma.
• Leukemic pleural effusion, a rare manifestation of AML, requires further investigation into its incidence.

Observation:

• Three cases of AML with leukemic pleural effusion were identified within a two-year period at a single institution.
• All observed cases demonstrated leukemic cells with monocytic differentiation.
• Two patients with advanced AML and concurrent myeloid sarcoma had poor prognoses.

Findings:

• The occurrence of three cases suggests leukemic pleural effusion may be more frequent than previously reported.
• One patient achieved remission and effusion resolution with standard AML treatment.
• The prognostic significance of leukemic pleural effusion remains unclear.

Implications:

• Leukemic pleural effusion might increase in prevalence with improved AML care and prolonged patient survival.
• Standard AML treatment should be considered for affected patients whenever feasible.
• Further research is needed to clarify the prognostic impact of leukemic pleural effusion.