Emergency Department Evaluation of Acute Leukemia

For many patients, the emergency department (ED) serves as the sole access to health care. Therefore, providers must evaluate patients thoroughly and with a holistic approach regardless of presenting concerns. Recognizing that acute leukemia can present with non-specific systemic symptoms can aid in early diagnosis and timely referral. Treatment with chemotherapy and the disease process itself can leave leukemia patients vulnerable to a number of conditions that require emergent management. Maintaining clinical suspicion for these conditions and being aware of treatment mainstays is crucial for ED providers in properly treating patients with leukemia.