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Published on: January 6, 2023
Acute myelogenous leukemia mimicking fulminant periorbital cellulitis
Abbas Bagheri1, Alireza Abrishami2, Saeed Karimi1
1Ophthalmic Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Purpose:
To report a patient who was referred for orbital cellulitis but was finally diagnosed with acute leukemia.
Case Report:
A 17-year-old boy presented with fever, periorbital erythema and swelling mimicking periorbital cellulitis. He underwent empiric antibiotic therapy. Complete blood counts revealed leukocytosis with a predominance of immature blast cells. Bone marrow aspiration confirmed the diagnosis of acute myelogenous leukemia. Chemotherapy was initiated resulting in resolution of signs and symptoms.
Conclusion:
Acute leukemia may mimic periorbital cellulitis and must be considered in the differential diagnosis.
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