A Case of Monocytic Leukemia Cutis Masquerading as Abscess

Lee, Chae Young; Lee, Ki Yeol; Hong, Jin Woo; Kim, Ki Ho; Kim, Young Hun

Abstract

Leukemia cutis (LC) is a nonspecific term that is used for the cutaneous manifestations of any type of leukemia, but LC is especially common in the acute myelogenous leukemia M4 and M5 variants. LC has a wide range of cutaneous manifestations, which can make it difficult to clinically distinguish LC from other skin lesions. We herein report on a case of LC that was misdiagnosed as abscess. A cutaneous biopsy demonstrated diffuse infiltrations of neutrophils in the dermis. The patient was diagnosed as having abscess and he received antibiotic therapy with disappointing results. Additional laboratory examination of the peripheral blood revealed a leukemic figure and the review of the histologic finding revealed infiltrations of atypical cells. Bone marrow biopsy demonstrated a high proportion of leukemic blasts. With these results, a new diagnosis of monocytic leukemia cutis was made. In conclusion, we believe that accurate management is important for the patients with leukemia, and particularly in a situation where skin lesions are the first clinical sign.