[Neurological complications of acute myeloid leukemia in adults]

Neurological involvement in acute myeloid leukaemia has become more common in recent years. The increase seems to be related to the longer survival rates made possible by more intensive treatment protocols. The predictive elements appear to be the tumour mass, cytomorphological variety M5, splenomegaly and serum LDH. Prophylaxis with craniospinal radiotherapy or spinal chemotherapy does not modify the course of the leukaemia or diminish the frequency of neuromeningeal complications. Six cases of AML involving the central nervous system were examined, two at onset and 4 at first relapse. Neuromeningeal complications are to be feared since they are extremely difficult to eradicate completely and the prognosis is extremely unfavourable especially if a bone marrow relapse occurs simultaneously.