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Case of CML lymphoid blast crisis presenting as bilateral breast masses
Aneesha Hossain1, Kanika Gupta1, Andrew Mener2
1Department of Internal Medicine, George Washington University Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.
Insights
A 42-year-old woman presented with rapidly growing breast masses and severe symptoms, diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia in lymphoid blast crisis. The leukaemia had spread outside the bone marrow to involve her breasts, a rare extramedullary manifestation.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Leukemia Research
Background:
- Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm.
- Lymphoid blast crisis is an advanced phase of CML.
- Extramedullary leukaemic involvement signifies disease progression.
Observation:
- A 42-year-old woman presented with bilateral breast masses over one month.
- Symptoms included severe leucocytosis, anaemia, blurry vision, headaches, and shortness of breath.
Findings:
- Diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukaemia in lymphoid blast crisis.
- Confirmed extramedullary leukaemic involvement of the breasts.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential for extramedullary disease in advanced CML.
- Emphasizes the importance of thorough evaluation in suspected leukaemic crisis.
- Breast involvement in CML blast crisis is a rare but critical presentation.
Abstract:
A woman aged 42 years with a 1-month history of rapidly expanding bilateral breast masses presented with severe leucocytosis, anaemia, blurry vision, headaches and shortness of breath. Evaluation revealed chronic myeloid leukaemia in lymphoid blast crisis with extramedullary leukaemia involving her breasts.
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