Chronic subdural hematoma in a child with acute myeloid leukemia after leukocytosis

Mehmet Basmaci1, Askin E Hasturk

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, Dr. Abdurrahman Yurtaslan Oncology Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.

Severe complications that develop in the early stages in patients with acute leukemia have a mortal course. Bleeding, leukostasis, and less frequently, infections are responsible for early mortality. Hemorrhage is most common in acute leukemia and usually leads to death. Hemorrhage may occur due to chemotherapy or bone marrow transplantation in patients with acute leukemia. Leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, sepsis, and coagulopathy increase the risk of bleeding. There may be multiple etiologic factors. Subdural or subarachnoid hemorrhage is less common than an intra-axial hemorrhage. The incidence of spontaneous subdural hematoma is higher in patients with leukemia. Although advances in the treatment of platelet transfusion and disseminated intravascular coagulation have decreased the incidence of hemorrhagic complications in patients receiving chemotherapy for acute leukemia, intracranial hemorrhage-related deaths are a significant problem. We discussed the etiology and management of chronic subdural hematoma detected in a two-year-old male patient with Acute Myeloid Leukemia and hyperleukocytosis.

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