Case Report: Chronic myeloid leukemia in a 13-year-old—a rare pediatric case of extreme hyperleukocytosis in chronic phase
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Pediatric Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), a rare hematologic malignancy, accounts for only 2–3% of cases of leukemia in pediatric patients. The case presented here is of a previously healthy 13-year-old male, who came to the emergency department with increasing fatigue, abdominal distention, and discomfort. On examination, he was pale with significant splenomegaly. His investigation findings included marked leukocytosis (WBC > 600 × 10 9 /L), severe anemia (Hb 5 g/dL), along with thrombocytosis (Platelets > 1,530 × 10 9 /L). The diagnosis was made by peripheral smear and bone marrow biopsy, showing Chronic Phase CML with less than 3% blasts along with intense granulocytic hyperplasia. Molecular studies by PCR identified the BCR:ABL1 fusion transcript. The initial treatment approach emphasized cytoreduction therapy with hydroxyurea, intravenous fluid administration, and preventive medication with allopurinol to protect against the risk of tumor lysis syndrome. After the patient became stabilized, imatinib, a first-line tyrosine kinase inhibitor, was started. The supportive care consisted of transfusion support and gastrointestinal protection. The patient responded quite well to therapy and was therefore discharged with instructions for further follow-up care. As highlighted by this case, the importance of prompt diagnosis, the initiation of cytoreduction therapy, and the use of molecular therapy in treating CML in children cannot be neglected. CML in children is an uncommon but curable form of leukemia.
Source: Frontiers in Medicine
Authors: Mohammad Asees, Toleen Abdalhaq, Johnny Amer
Institution: An-Najah National University
Language: English
Subfield: Hematology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W7147050589