Acute promyelocytic leukemia presenting with acute appendicitis and
coagulopathy in a pediatric patient: Early diagnosis and initiation of
treatment
Abstract
We present a case of a pediatric patient presenting with
gastrointestinal symptoms found to have acute appendicitis and
ultimately diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). He had
severe hemorrhage at presentation, with laboratory abnormalities
concerning for disseminated intravascular coagulation, initially
attributed to infection. Prior to initiating standard therapy used to
treat APL, he required stabilization and numerous blood product
transfusions. He was treated with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and
arsenic trioxide and ultimately went into remission. We present this
case as there is limited literature regarding APL manifesting with
gastrointestinal symptoms in pediatric patients.