Isolated leukemic infiltration of peripheral nervous system

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Hematology
• Oncology

Background:

• Isolated neuroleukemiosis, leukemic infiltration of peripheral nerves without CNS involvement, is exceptionally rare.
• It represents a challenging complication in leukemia patients, often presenting subtly.

Observation:

• A patient with a history of acute monoblastic leukemia developed median mononeuropathy.
• Diagnostic imaging revealed a thickened median nerve, confirmed as leukemic infiltration by biopsy.

Findings:

• The patient achieved clinical resolution of neuroleukemiosis with local radiation therapy.
• This case is unique as the patient was considered clinically cured of leukemia, unlike previously reported cases.

Implications:

• Hematogenous spread across the blood-nerve barrier is the likely cause of isolated neuroleukemiosis.
• Clinicians should consider neuroleukemiosis in leukemia patients presenting with neuropathy, irrespective of their leukemia remission status.