Acute lymphoblastic leukemia first presenting with ascites: A case report

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is known for its tendency to present with extramedullary infiltrates, commonly affecting lymph nodes, the spleen, the central nervous system, the orbit, skin, and testes. Less commonly, leukemia can infiltrate unusual sites such as the cervix, gastrointestinal tract, lungs, and thyroid gland. However, it is exceedingly rare for leukemia to present with ascites as the initial symptom. By reporting this rare case, the study seeks to contribute to a better understanding of ALL's varied presentations and improve early detection and management strategies, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.

A 30-year-old male was admitted to the hospital with the primary complaint of ascites.

ALL.

The patient was initially diagnosed with suppurative peritonitis through abdominal puncture. The abdominal computed tomography scan revealed ileocecal lesions, which were thought to be the source of the purulent peritonitis. Despite receiving antibacterial therapy and undergoing peritoneal effusion drainage, the treatment proved ineffective. The patient chose to discontinue hospitalization and was discharged on June 22. On August 24, he was readmitted to Nanjing First Hospital. A follow-up abdominal computed tomography scan revealed multiple enlarged lymph nodes in the abdomen, raising suspicion of a hematological malignancy. Bone marrow cytology subsequently confirmed the diagnosis of ALL.

The patient was admitted to the hematology department for further treatment. Unfortunately, despite intervention, the patient passed away.

Although it is rare for ALL to present initially with ascites, clinicians should consider leukemia as a potential diagnosis in patients presenting with ascites, particularly when conventional treatments for other diagnoses are ineffective.