Chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia in infancy: a case report

The case of an infant with the clinical and haematological features of chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia is reported. The infant presented with a peripheral blood monocyte count of 12,000 cell/mm3 (12.0 X 10(9) cell/L) but no lymphadenopathy, hepatomegaly, nor splenomegaly. No treatment was given for 14 months during which time the monocytosis persisted. Myeloblasts then appeared abruptly in the peripheral blood reaching a peak of 1,500,000 cell/mm3 (1,500 X 10(9)/L). Cytotoxic chemotherapy was initially successful but the blast soon became resistant and the child died. Chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia is usually associated with the elderly and the significance of this case is discussed.