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Assessment of the Metabolic Profile of Primary Leukemia Cells
Published on: November 21, 2018
Extreme Hyperleukocytosis in Meningococcal Bacteremia Mimicking Leukemia: A Case Report
Camille Gorena1, Borna Amir-Kabirian2, Ju-Hsien Chao3
1School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA, louisville.edu.
Abstract:
Hyperleukocytosis (> 100 × 109/L) is typically associated with hematologic malignancies and is rarely reported in infection. A previously healthy 27-year-old man presented with acute gastrointestinal symptoms and was found to have meningococcal bacteremia complicated by thrombocytopenia, coagulopathy, and acute kidney injury. Despite appropriate antimicrobial therapy, his leukocyte count rose progressively, peaking at 173 × 109/L on hospital day four. Bone marrow biopsy and cytogenetic studies excluded leukemia. With continued antibiotic therapy and supportive care, his leukocyte count, coagulopathy, and renal function gradually normalized over the following 10 days. This case highlights hyperleukocytosis as a rare manifestation of meningococcemia and emphasizes the importance of excluding malignancy while managing infection-related complications.
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