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Acute leukemia relapse presenting as central diabetes insipidus
P Ra'anani1, O Shpilberg, M Berezin
1Institute of Hematology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.
Cancer
|May 1, 1994
Summary
Central diabetes insipidus can be the first sign of leukemia relapse, a rare occurrence. This study reports two such cases and reviews the literature on this complex relationship.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Endocrinology
- Neurology
Background:
- Leukemic infiltration of the central nervous system can cause diabetes insipidus.
- This neurological complication has been previously documented in leukemia patients.
Observation:
- Two cases are presented where leukemia relapse manifested initially as central diabetes insipidus.
- A literature review of 39 reported cases was conducted.
Findings:
- The median age of affected patients was 46 years, with no gender preference.
- Acute nonlymphocytic leukemia was common (73%), often associated with chromosome 7 abnormalities.
- Diabetes insipidus onset had no consistent temporal relationship with leukemia diagnosis or relapse.
Implications:
- Diabetes insipidus can be the initial presenting symptom of leukemia recurrence.
- This highlights the importance of considering neurological symptoms in leukemia patients.
- Early recognition is crucial for timely intervention and management of leukemia relapse.