| Abstract: | ![]()
A case of AML accompanied by HTLV-I associated myelopathy (HAM) is reported. A 37-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital in April 1985 because of severe anemia, general malaise and fever. On admission, anemia, thrombocytopenia and leukocytosis consisting of 32% myeloblasts and 6% promyelocytes were noted. A bone marrow study revealed marked myeloid hyperplasia, and a diagnosis of acute myelogenous leukemia (M2) was made. In order to improve the patient's severe anemia and thrombocytopenia, a large amount of blood transfusion was applied at once. Thereafter BHAC-DMP therapy was commenced resulting in complete remission 3 months after initiating chemotherapy. Hematological improvement has continued (as of May 1988). In June 1986 the patient showed a gait disturbance of slowly progressive course. Neurological examination revealed hyperactive knee and ankle jerks with a positive Babinski's sign, and foot clonus were also noted bilaterally. Sphincter impairment was detected. A CSF sample contained slight pleocytosis with some abnormal lymphocytes similar to those found in adult T cell leukemia. Antibodies to HTLV-I were found in the CSF and serum by EIA method. According to these findings we diagnosed the patient's illness as HAM, referring to the new clinical entity named by Osame. This patient had undergone a blood transfusion 14 months before the onset of this myelopathy, therefore the transmission of exogenous antigens through blood transfusion may be the cause of HAM. Corticosteroid pulse treatment was administered and striking improvements countering gait disturbance resulted in this patient. |
