Acute myeloid leukemia: An unusual manifestation of the trachea.

OBJECTIVES

Hematologic malignancy involving the trachea is rare. It is even less common for tracheal involvement to be the initial manifestation of this disease. We present a case report highlighting an unusual diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that first presented with prominent tracheal manifestations. There have been only three other published case reports of extramedullary AML with involvement of the trachea.

METHODS

We discuss direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy findings, including pinkish-white irregular lesions, which were similar to findings described in the available literature for tracheal AML.

RESULTS

Laboratory findings from our case are reported, including peripheral smear demonstrating 57% blasts and bone marrow biopsy confirming the diagnosis of AML, and the relevance of these findings is discussed.

CONCLUSION

In patients with unusual airway lesions, laboratory testing and a comprehensive airway evaluation including biopsy are necessary to narrow the differential diagnosis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE