Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 24, 2025
04:41
Knee Arthrocentesis in Adults
Published on: February 25, 2022
8.9K
Recurrent arthritis: an unusual diagnosis
Meenakshi Sesama1, Vikram Bhaskar2, Monika Meena3
1Senior Resident, Department of Pediatrics, University College of Medical Sciences & Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, University of Delhi, Delhi, India.
Tropical Doctor
|April 14, 2020
Summary
Childhood leukaemias can initially present as musculoskeletal complaints, mimicking rheumatic diseases. Normal blood tests and the use of immunosuppressants may delay or cause misdiagnosis of this critical condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Rheumatology
- Hematology
Background:
- Musculoskeletal complaints are common in children and can be misdiagnosed.
- Childhood leukaemias may initially manifest with symptoms mimicking rheumatic diseases.
- Diagnostic challenges arise when initial presentations are non-specific.
Observation:
- When musculoskeletal symptoms predominate, rheumatic diseases are often considered.
- Normal blood tests can preclude further investigation, such as bone marrow examination.
- The use of immunosuppressive medications, like steroids, can mask or alter disease presentation.
Findings:
- Delayed diagnosis of childhood leukaemias can occur due to non-specific initial symptoms.
- Misdiagnosis is a risk when leukaemic symptoms are mistaken for rheumatic conditions.
- Immune suppression can obscure the underlying leukaemic process.
Implications:
- Increased awareness of leukaemic presentations mimicking rheumatic diseases is crucial for pediatricians and rheumatologists.
- Early and accurate diagnosis of childhood leukaemias is vital for timely treatment and improved outcomes.
- Consideration of leukaemia in children with persistent musculoskeletal complaints, even with normal initial blood work, is warranted.
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