Chronic myelogenous leukemia in a 16-yr-old

To present an unusual case of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) in an adolescent with a complaint of leg pain. Clinical presentation is highlighted and a brief review of the childhood leukemias and common clinical features are outlined.

A 16-yr-old black male was seen after suffering from leg and knee pains for 7 months. Exquisite tibial pain, normal radiographs and an abnormal CBC led to the diagnosis of leukemia. Subsequent referral for bone marrow examination confirmed the final diagnosis of chronic myelogenous leukemia.

The patient was referred to a pediatric hematologist-oncologist for medical management of his condition. He is currently receiving chemotherapy and the search for a suitable donor for bone marrow transplant is in progress.

This case demonstrates the importance of considering one of the more common pediatric malignancies, such as leukemia, in the differential diagnosis of children with musculoskeletal complaints. Chronic myelogenous leukemia accounts for only 3-5% of cases of childhood onset. Its rare incidence in childhood constitutes the basis for this case report.