Bilateral osteonecrosis of the head of the femur complicating acute promyelocytic leukemia: a sequel to treatment of retinoic acid syndrome with dexamethasone

Abstract

The complication of 'retinoic acid syndrome' occurs in 25-30% of patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) treated with all-transretinoic acid (ATRA). Early dexamethasone therapy has reduced mortality from this complication. No long-term sequel of the syndrome or its treatment with dexamethasone has been described. We report a patient with APL treated with ATRA who developed avascular necrosis of both femoral heads following treatment of retinoic acid syndrome with short-duration, high-dose dexamethasone.