Hidden Behind Ascites: An Atypical Pediatric Presentation of T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia-A Case Report
Kainat Shaikh1,2, Zahra Anas3,4, Samia Rajput2,3
1Department of Pediatrics Dr Ruth KM Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi Pakistan.
Clinical Case Reports
|June 8, 2026
Abstract:
This case describes a child with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) presenting atypically with ascites and bilateral pedal edema, initially suggesting autoimmune hepatitis. The diagnosis was established only after flow cytometry of ascitic fluid. It underscores that pediatric malignancies may present atypically and highlights the importance of a broad, flexible diagnostic approach to avoid delays in life-saving treatment.

