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Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus
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Unexpected infant death secondary to a pulmonary infiltration due to acute myelocytic leukaemia

M Ben Khelil1, Y Chkirbene, M Mlika

  • 1University Tunis-Elmanar, Faculty of Medicine, Tunis, Tunisia. benkhelilmehdi@yahoo.fr.

The Malaysian Journal of Pathology
|September 4, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) lung involvement is rare but can be fatal. This case highlights the importance of considering leukemia in infants with flu-like symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) typically presents with non-specific symptoms like fatigue or anemia.
  • Pulmonary involvement in AML is uncommon, often attributed to infection, hemorrhage, or leukostasis.
  • Lung localization of AML is rare and can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated.

Observation:

  • The case details the sudden death of an infant due to misdiagnosed pulmonary AML.
  • Autopsy revealed extensive leukostasis and extramedullary leukemic infiltration in the lungs.
  • Histopathological and immunohistochemical studies confirmed acute myelogenous leukemia.

Findings:

  • Lung localization of AML can present atypically, even in asymptomatic infants.
  • Extramedullary leukemic infiltration and leukostasis in the lungs are critical pathological findings.
  • Misdiagnosis of pulmonary AML can lead to fatal outcomes.

Implications:

  • Underlying acute leukemia should be considered in infants presenting with flu-like symptoms.
  • Healthcare providers must maintain a high index of suspicion for serious systemic diseases presenting with non-specific symptoms.
  • Prompt diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary AML are crucial for patient survival.

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