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Hemophagocytosis and acute monoblastic leukemia
L Russell1, N J Shaw, O B Eden
1Department of Haematology, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh, Scotland.
Pediatric Hematology and Oncology
|January 1, 1989
Summary
A pediatric case of hemophagocytosis resolved spontaneously but later revealed acute monoblastic leukemia, highlighting diagnostic challenges in monocyte-macrophage malignancies.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Pediatric Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Monocyte-macrophage lineage malignancies present diagnostic challenges.
- Hemophagocytosis can be a presenting sign in various pediatric hematologic disorders.
Observation:
- A 16-month-old girl exhibited hepatosplenomegaly and pancytopenia.
- Bone marrow examination revealed increased macrophages with significant hemophagocytosis.
Findings:
- The patient experienced spontaneous remission of hemophagocytosis without treatment.
- Two months later, she was diagnosed with acute monoblastic leukemia.
Implications:
- This case underscores the complexity of classifying monocyte-macrophage malignancies.
- Hemophagocytosis can precede or mask underlying hematologic neoplasms in children.