A Neonate Presenting With Large Abdominal Mass: A Rare Case of Congenital Leukemia

Leukemia symptoms occurring in the first 4 weeks of infancy are known as congenital leukemia. We present a case of congenital leukemia in a full-term neonate manifesting at birth with a grossly distended abdomen due to a large abdominal mass. Ultrasonography of the abdomen showed a large abdominal mass originating from the liver. Congenital leukemia was suspected based on the very high total leukocyte counts and the presence of blast cells in the peripheral blood smear, which was confirmed by bone marrow aspiration. The bone marrow aspirate smear showed 42% blast cells. Due to overwhelming sepsis, the baby died at the neonatal intensive care unit on day 4 after birth. This report highlights the atypical presentations of congenital leukemia in the neonatal period.