Neutropenic Enterocolitis in a Patient With Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Abstract

Neutropenic enterocolitis (NE) is a medical emergency that occurs in neutropenic patients characterized by diffuse circumferential mural thickening predominantly involving the cecum. It is not easily differentiated from various other abdominal conditions (i.e., appendicitis, intussusception, ischemic colitis, small bowel obstruction, pseudomembranous colitis, and viral gastroenteritis), but clinicians should be aware of the diagnostic criteria in order to assist with prompt diagnosis. Although standard treatment has yet to be established, it is necessary to initiate early supportive care to reduce mortality risk. Here we present a case of NE with small bowel obstruction in a patient with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Clinical findings and CT abdomen/pelvis were consistent with NE. Unfortunately, the patient succumbed to the illness.