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An unusual orthopaedic presentation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Published in:
J Pediatr Orthop B, Vol: 12, Page: 292-4
Publication Date:
July 2003
Aims & Objectives:
This case report discusses a 3-year-old boy of Romanian origin with an unusual orthopaedic presentation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Abstract:
A 3-year-old boy of Romanian origin was admitted with the inability to weight bear and pyrexia. He was investigated to rule out septic arthritis. He subsequently developed an atypical clinical picture of fleeting joint arthritis, spiking temperature with poor response to antibiotics and atypical results of investigations. The peripheral blood smear showed a normal leukocyte count, but evidence of blast cells. Bone marrow aspirate confirmed the diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. His skeletal radiographic survey had shown evidence of symmetrical metaphyseal sclerosis in the long bones, which has not been previously described as an isolated feature of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Following a good response to chemotherapy, partial resolution of the sclerosis occurred. This case illustrates that metaphyseal sclerosis can be one of the manifestations of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and delay in diagnosis can easily occur in the absence of classic features of the disease. An early diagnosis is a good prognostic feature of these childhood malignancies.
Authors:
Study Type:
Study Papers » Case Report Study » Descriptive Studies - Without a comparision
Categories:
lymphoblastic leukaemia (acute)
International Classification:
Neoplasm - Report
Keywords:
- Child, Preschool
- Femur/pathology/radiography
- Fibula/pathology/radiography
- Humans
- Humerus/pathology/radiography
- Male
- Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/complications/ diagnosis/pathology
- Sclerosis
Geography:
Republic of Ireland (Dublin)