Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Presenting as Focal Neurologic Findings and Deteriorating Mental Status

Publication date: Available online 19 September 2016
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Author(s): Matthew Dolan, Christine Ngaruiya
BackgroundAcute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a rare but particularly malignant form of acute leukemia that is characterized by a rapid progression to fatal hemorrhage. Survival rates of patients with APL have increased with the introduction of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), but early deaths caused by hemorrhage still persist.Case ReportA man with undiagnosed APL presenting with focal neurologic findings and deteriorating altered mental status caused by an intracranial hemorrhage is discussed.Why Should An Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?It is important to consider APL when diagnosing etiologies for intracranial hemorrhage. In addition to standard care, early administration of ATRA is recommended upon clinical suspicion of the disease.



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