Necrotizing enterocolitis in acute leukemia: radiographic findings

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Oncology
• Radiology

Background:

• Acute gangrenous appendicitis or right lower quadrant necrotizing enterocolitis is a serious complication in patients treated for acute leukemia.
• This syndrome occurs with a high incidence in this patient population.
• Accurate diagnosis is critical for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and re-emphasize radiographic findings associated with right lower quadrant syndromes in acute leukemia patients.
• To highlight the importance of accurate diagnosis for appropriate management.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 81 documented cases of patients undergoing treatment for acute leukemia.
• Analysis of radiographic examinations (plain abdominal radiographs and barium enema) from seven patients with confirmed cases of the syndrome.

Main Results:

• Seven cases of surgically or pathologically proved right lower quadrant syndromes were identified.
• Radiographic examinations were available for five of these seven cases.
• In three of the five cases, radiographic findings suggested or confirmed the diagnosis.

Conclusions:

• Radiographic examination can suggest or confirm the diagnosis of acute gangrenous appendicitis or necrotizing enterocolitis in acute leukemia patients.
• Accurate diagnosis through imaging is vital for appropriate surgical management.
• Improved diagnostic accuracy can lead to better outcomes for this previously uniformly fatal complication.