Acute lymphoblastic leukemia associated with brucellosis in two patients with fever and pancytopenia

Yonsei Med J. 2006 Oct 31;47(5):741-4. doi: 10.3349/ymj.2006.47.5.741.

Abstract

Brucellosis is a disease involving the lymphoproliferative system, which may lead to changes in the hematological parameters; however, pancytopenia is a rare finding. However, malignant diseases in association with brucellosis are rarely the cause of pancytopenia. Herein, two cases with fever and pancytopenia, diagnosed as simultaneous acute lymphoblastic leukemia and brucellosis are presented. Anti-leukemic therapy and brucellosis treatment were administered simultaneously, and normal blood parameters obtained. The first patient is in complete remission; the other recovered from the brucellosis, but later died due to a leukemic relapse.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brucellosis / complications*
  • Brucellosis / diagnosis
  • Brucellosis / therapy
  • Female
  • Fever
  • Humans
  • Pancytopenia / diagnosis
  • Pancytopenia / etiology*
  • Pancytopenia / therapy
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / complications*
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / pathology
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / therapy