Leukaemic pulmonary infiltrates in adult acute myeloid leukaemia: a high-resolution computerized tomography study.
Leukaemic infiltration of the lungs may occur in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Pulmonary infiltrates are usually microscopic and invariably associated with hyperleucocytosis. Four AML patients with respiratory symptoms and low leucocyte counts underwent standard chest radiography, bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage and high-resolution computerized tomography (HRCT) of the lungs. HRCT scans showed pulmonary infiltrates with alveolar, interstitial, mixed and peribronchial/perivascular patterns in all patients, including one with negative standard radiographic findings. Infectious agents were excluded. Histology of the lung biopsy/autopsy specimens showed leukaemic infiltrates. Pulmonary leukaemia may be the cause of pulmonary infiltrates, even in non-hyperleucocytosic AML patients with low blast counts.
Potenza
Leonardo
L
Department of Oncology and Haematology, Section of Haematology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
Luppi
Mario
M
Morselli
Monica
M
Tonelli
Stefania
S
D'Apollo
Nicola
N
Facchini
Luca
L
Torricelli
Pietro
P
Tazzioli
Giovanni
G
Saviola
Alessia
A
Bresciani
Paola
P
Longo
Giuseppe
G
Torelli
Giuseppe
G
D000208:Acute Disease; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007951:Leukemia, Myeloid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D017254:Leukemic Infiltration; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed