[Necrotizing enteritis during the therapeutic induction phase in leukemia. Value of surgical treatment]

A case of typhlitis in a 3,5 year old girl, during induction therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia is reported. This typhlitis, or necrotizing enterocolitis involving the coecum and right colon resulted in stercoral peritonitis during the neutropenic phase. After surgery, the patient had a favorable outcome with complete recovery. Knowledge about this uncommon but severe complication of hemopathies leads to follow clinical, microbiologic and radiologic rules of prophylaxis and screening. Typhlitis requires early treatment by supportive care and surgical cure if necessary.