Leukostasis and hyperleukocytosis

Background

• Hyperleukocytosis is lab abnormality of WBC >50-100K
• Leukostasis is symptomatic hyperleukocytosis; it is a medical emergency
  • Most commonly seen in pts w/ AML or CML in blast crisis
  • High blast cell count > WBC plugs in microvasculature
    • Brain and lung are most commonly affected

Clinical Features

• Brain Leukostasis
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Tinnitus
  • Visual disturbances
  • Ataxia
  • Confusion
  • Stupor
  • Coma
  • Sudden death
• Pulmonary Leukostasis
  • Respiratory distress
  • Hypoxemia
    • ABG may show falsely decreased PaO2; pulse oximetry is more accurate
  • Respiratory failure

Diagnosis

• High degree of suspicion needed to make the diagnosis
• WBC count usually >100K; can have symptoms w/ WBC as low as 50K
• CXR
  • Interstial or alveolar infiltrates

Treatment

1. Hyperleukocytosis (asymptomatic)
   1. Hydoxyurea may be all that is required
2. Leukostasis
   1. IV hydration
      1. Prevent dehydration which can worsen condition
   2. Chemotherapy
      1. Only treatment proven to improve survival
   3. Hydroxyurea + leukapheresis
      1. Can be use for cytoreduction if chemo will be delayed

Disposition

• Admit to ICU

Source

• Harrison's Internal Medicine Oncologic Emergencies
• Uptodate