Splenectomy in chronic myeloid leukaemia. A case report and review

We report the case of a man with chronic myeloid leukaemia, whose disease had undergone transformation and whose life was threatened. Splenectomy was performed, and two years later he is alive and well, taking no anti-leukaemic therapy. Since splenectomy he has had one severe attack of malaria, and one episode of jaundice thought to be due to viral hepatitis. He discontinued his malaria prophylaxis one year ago and has not been ill since. Splenectomy as a last resort will benefit some patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia after transformation, and elective splenectomy should be considered in the management of patients with this disease. However, final unequivocal proof of the value of elective splenectomy is still awaited.