Leukemic infiltration in the settings of acute respiratory failure

Hematological malignancies need special attention in the intensive care unit (ICU). Leukemia has numerous presentations in the ICU. Most commonly, these patients present with complications of therapy. Infection and neutropenia are major reasons for ICU admission. Pulmonary complications in patients with leukemia are often due to pneumonia, hemorrhage, edema or drug toxicity; however, pulmonary leukemic infiltration is a well-known complication in all types of pneumonia but is not well described in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. It can contribute to a rapid decline in respiratory status. Distinguishing among infection, pulmonary edema and leukemic infiltrates can be challenging. Characteristic radiological patterns have been described but are still challenging to recognize. Critical care management in these cases can have a large impact, and early intervention could be lifesaving in the appropriate clinical setting.