A rapid increase in the normal white cell counts without blasts as the initial presentation of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. (23rd July 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Inoue, Susumu; Sah, Jitendra; Onwuzurike, Nkechi
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 2013
• Publication Date: 2013-07-23
• Subjects: Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2013-200116
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : A 5-year-old girl with multiple enlarged cervical lymph nodes consistent with Epstein-Barr virus infection showed a rapid increase in the white blood cell counts (myeloid cells and lymphocytes) without blasts over a week period. Bone marrow evaluation performed after a week's observation unexpectedly showed replacement of the marrow with T lymphoblasts. A presentation of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL) in this fashion is very unusual. We postulate that the T-lymphoblasts may have been secreting granulocyte colony stimulating factor like substance. We are unable to find a similar case report in the literature, and thus we wish to report this case. The patient has been treated with Children's Oncology Group T-ALL protocol, and has been in continuous remission.