Acute lymphocytic leukemia of the ovary: the value of sonography

Leukemic involvement of ovary has been found in up to 30% of patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) at autopsy, but is rarely found clinically. Since the ovary may be a sanctuary for ALL to reseed the marrow, early clinical detection of ovarian involvement is important. The use of sonography in evaluating the ovary is suggested as part of the management routine in ALL. It can be used prior to cessation of chemotherapy and on subsequent follow-up to assess the state of the ovary. A case is presented in which a young woman with ALL in remission developed a pelvic mass, documented by ultrasound, subsequently shown to represent leukemic infiltration of the ovary.