Congenital Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Report of a Case with Leukemia Cutis

Congenital Leukemia Presenting as Fever in a Neonate

“…Leukemia cutis is more frequently observed in acute myelogenous leukemia and is rare in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (9). Reports on the frequency of this finding in congenital leukemia range from 30% to Translocation of this gene gives rise to fusion proteins that increase leukemogenesis and hematopoiesis (9). The neonate in this case had 46 XX(4;11)(q21;23) translocation, which is associated with an aggressive MLL.…”

“…These lesions appear as diffuse palpable violaceous nodules and, when observed, should alert the medical provider to underlying malignancy (9). Leukemia cutis is more frequently observed in acute myelogenous leukemia and is rare in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (9).…”

“…These lesions appear as diffuse palpable violaceous nodules and, when observed, should alert the medical provider to underlying malignancy (9). Leukemia cutis is more frequently observed in acute myelogenous leukemia and is rare in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (9). Reports on the frequency of this finding in congenital leukemia range from 30% to Translocation of this gene gives rise to fusion proteins that increase leukemogenesis and hematopoiesis (9).…”

“…The presence of an MLL gene rearrangement and age < 6 months are the most important factors predicting poor prognosis, followed by a white blood cell count > 300,000 k/mm3 and poor response to prednisone (9). Neonates diagnosed with congenital leukemia frequently become refractory to treatment and often die within the first year of life (9).…”

“…Congenital leukemia develops while the fetus is in utero and presents within the first 4 weeks of life. The diagnosis of congenital leukemia depends on three major criteria: the presence of immature hematopoietic cells in peripheral blood and bone marrow, hematopoietic cell infiltration into nonhematopoietic tissue (ie, skin), and exclusion of other conditions in the differential diagnosis (9). This condition has an estimated incidence of <5 per 1 million births (10).…”