Author/Authors :
Chabbra، Sonia نويسنده Dept. of Pathology, University Pt BDS PGIMS, Rohtak , , Kalra، Rajneesh نويسنده Pathology Department, PGIMS, Rohtak, India , , Malik، Shivani نويسنده Pathology Department, PGIMS, Rohtak, India , , Singh، Sunita نويسنده , , Singh ، Gurpreet نويسنده , , Gupta، Pansi نويسنده Pathology Department, PGIMS, Rohtak, India , , Sen، Rajeev نويسنده Department of Pathology, Pt. B.D. Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, India ,
Abstract :
Unilateral malignant pleural effusion as an initial manifestation that leads to the
diagnosis of an underlying acute lymphoblastic leukemia is a rare event. Early and
accurate diagnosis of this case is important for prompt and adequate therapy. We
present the case of an18-year-old male who presented to the emergency department
with severe respiratory distress. Chest X-ray revealed a unilateral massive right-sided
pleural effusion. Cytological examination of the pleural fluid led to the diagnosis of
underlying acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Subsequent hemogram, bone marrow
aspirate and flow cytometry analysis confirmed the diagnosis of T-lineage acute
lymphoblastic leukemia. The patient underwent induction chemotherapy which led to
significant clinical improvement due to resolution of the pleural effusion. The patient
is on follow up at present. This case report exemplifies and highlights the importance
of cytopathological analysis of body cavity fluids in the diagnosis of underlying
unsuspected malignancies.
