Aseptic Meningitis as First Presentation of Acute Myeloid Leukemia With Normal Cell Blood Count

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Hematology
• Oncology

Background:

• Aseptic meningitis is often caused by infections or inflammatory conditions.
• Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) can rarely present with neurological symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight aseptic meningitis as a potential early sign of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
• To emphasize the diagnostic challenges and the need for thorough evaluation in suspected AML cases presenting with meningitis.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical cases presenting with aseptic meningitis and subsequently diagnosed with AML.
• Analysis of diagnostic procedures, including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytology and complete blood count (CBC).

Main Results:

• Aseptic meningitis was the initial presentation in some AML patients.
• Normal CBC results did not exclude the possibility of AML.
• A single CSF analysis for malignant cells was sometimes insufficient for diagnosis.

Conclusions:

• Aseptic meningitis should prompt consideration of underlying malignancies, particularly acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
• A comprehensive diagnostic workup is essential, even with initially normal laboratory findings, to avoid delayed AML diagnosis.