Avascular necrosis of bone in acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Avascular necrosis of bone (AVNB) is a known complication of systemic adrenocorticosteroid therapy and is thought to be dose related. However, despite the large amount of prednisolone that has been used in the standard treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), AVNB has rarely been reported with this disease. We have described our experience with an adolescent girl with ALL who developed multifocal AVNB after aggressive chemotherapy, which included high cumulative doses of corticosteroids along with other cytotoxic drugs, some of which have been associated with AVNB. Five similar cases from literature are reviewed. The occurrence of AVNB may become more common in the future with the increasing use of aggressive chemotherapy. Awareness of this possibility will lead to a more rapid diagnosis and early treatment of AVNB.