A Case of Ischemic Stroke in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia at Initial Presentation: Relevance of All-Trans Retinoic Acid Treatment

Title: A Case of Ischemic Stroke in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia at Initial Presentation: Relevance of All-Trans Retinoic Acid Treatment

Volume: 10 Issue: 1

Author(s): Angelo M. Carella, Giuseppe Antonucci, Matteo Conte, Michele Di Pumpo, Elisabetta Antonucci and Ernestina Ponziano

Affiliation:

Keywords: Acute promyelocytic leukemia, Disseminated intravascular coagulation, Ischemic stroke, All-trans retinoic acid

Abstract: Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is frequently associated, often from the earliest phases, with a lifethreatening coagulation/bleeding syndrome; disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is described in majority of patients. We report a case of 49-year-old male, without cardiovascular risk factors, who suddenly developed ischemic stroke and splenic infarction as presenting symptoms of APL and related DIC. The patient was immediately treated with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and the alterations of hemocoagulation parameters promptly returned in normal range. The coagulation/ bleeding syndrome of the onset of APL is associated with high mortality; both diagnostic and therapeutic approaches require special and timely consideration of this condition. Treatment with ATRA is essential.

Cite this article as:

Carella M. Angelo, Antonucci Giuseppe, Conte Matteo, Pumpo Di Michele, Antonucci Elisabetta and Ponziano Ernestina, A Case of Ischemic Stroke in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia at Initial Presentation: Relevance of All-Trans Retinoic Acid Treatment, Cardiovascular & Hematological Disorders-Drug Targets 2010; 10 (1) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/187152910790780069