Florid radiological appearance of megakaryoblastic leukaemia - an aid to earlier diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis of leukaemia is essential to enable appropriate treatment. The diagnosis is made by cytological and cytochemical techniques but radiology may, however, serve a very useful role in first suggesting a diagnosis. We present here four cases of megakaryoblastic leukaemia (AML FAB classification M7), three of which have strikingly similar unusual radiological changes. A review of the literature suggests this condition has previously been diagnosed as acute or malignant myelofibrosis, and the megakaryoblastic nature of the disease was not recognised. The presence of these radiological features may therefore prompt specific immunocytochemical testing, in a disease that is otherwise difficult to diagnose early. (orig.)