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A rare case of massive hepatosplenomegaly due to acute lymphoblastic leukemia in pregnancy

Ricardo Gonçalves, Ruchika Meel

Abstract


Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is rarely seen in pregnancy. Massive hepatosplenomegaly as a presentation of ALL has not been described previously in any patient population. A 30-year-old pregnant woman presented at 16 weeks’ gestation with epistaxis, jaundice, diffuse abdominal pain and distension, massive hepatosplenomegaly and peripheral oedema. On the basis of blood tests, bone marrow biopsy and imaging, a diagnosis of ALL complicated by massive hepatosplenomegaly with splenic infarctions was made. The patient was referred to oncology for appropriate chemotherapy.


Authors' affiliations

Ricardo Gonçalves, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria and Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa

Ruchika Meel, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria and Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa

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Keywords

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia; Pregnancy; Massive hepatosplenomegaly

Cite this article

South African Medical Journal 2017;107(5):402-404. DOI:10.7196/SAMJ.2017.v107i5.12313

Article History

Date submitted: 2017-04-25
Date published: 2017-04-25

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