A case of pathologic splenic rupture as the initial manifestation of acute myeloid leukemia M2

Yonsei Med J. 2010 Jan;51(1):138-40. doi: 10.3349/ymj.2010.51.1.138. Epub 2009 Dec 29.

Abstract

A pathologic splenic rupture refers to a rupture without trauma. A splenic rupture as the initial manifestation of acute myeloid leukemia is extremely rare. In this study, we described a rare case of acute myeloid leukemia presenting principally as an acute abdomen due to a pathologic splenic rupture in a 35-year old male patient. We can assert that a pathologic splenic rupture in hematologic diseases is a potentially life-threatening complication, which necessitates immediate operative intervention. Any such patient complaining about left upper abdominal tenderness should be closely observed, and further diagnostic investigations (ultrasonograph of the abdomen, abdominal CT scan) should be initiated in order to rule out a splenic rupture. The oncologist should be aware of this rare initial presentation of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) M2, as the condition generally necessitates a prompt splenectomy.

Keywords: Acute myeloid leukemia M2; pathologic; splenic rupture.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / diagnosis*
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / diagnostic imaging
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / pathology
  • Male
  • Splenic Rupture / diagnosis*
  • Splenic Rupture / diagnostic imaging
  • Splenic Rupture / pathology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed