Acute liver failure as the initial manifestation of acute leukaemia

Abstract

Background/aims: Haematological malignancies seldom cause clinically significant liver disease. Acute liver failure as the initial manifestation of acute leukaemia is very rare and carries a very poor prognosis.

Methods/results: Three cases of acute liver failure secondary to acute leukaemia are described. Each case presented initially as acute liver failure of uncertain cause. Specific treatment for the leukaemia was instituted; however, all three patients died as a consequence of the liver failure. We describe the clinical course and relevant investigations of these patients and discuss possible mechanisms of acute liver failure in this setting.

Conclusion: Acute leukaemia presenting as acute liver failure has a very poor prognosis. Although a rare cause of acute liver failure, it should be considered in any patient presenting with acute liver failure with prodromal symptoms and a raised peripheral white cell count, lactate dehydrogenase and uric acid.