Precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia presenting as obstructive jaundice: a case report
2011

Case of Leukemia Presenting as Jaundice

Sample size: 1 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Siddique Muhammad N, Popalzai Muhammad, Aoun Nelly, Maroun Rabih, Awasum Michael, Dai Qun

Primary Institution: Staten Island University Hospital

Hypothesis

Can precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia present with jaundice in adults?

Conclusion

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia can present with jaundice, which may complicate diagnosis and treatment.

Supporting Evidence

  • The patient presented with jaundice and abdominal pain.
  • Initial tests showed pancytopenia and hyperbilirubinemia.
  • Liver biopsy revealed lymphocytic infiltration consistent with leukemia.
  • Bone marrow biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Takeaway

A man got very sick with jaundice because of a type of blood cancer called leukemia, which is usually not seen with jaundice.

Methodology

The patient underwent blood tests, imaging studies, a liver biopsy, and a bone marrow biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

Limitations

The study is based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.

Participant Demographics

44-year-old Hispanic male.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1752-1947-5-269

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