Neutropenic enterocolitis in a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A case report

Abstract

Neutropenic enterocolitis is a necrotizing inflammation of the colon which appears in immunocompromised patients. It is the most frequent cause of acute abdomen in patients with leukemia and continues to be a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge despite our increasing awareness of its occurence in high risk groups. The importance of early diagnosis can not be overemphasized. Abdominal ultrasound and computed tomographic scan findings are useful adjuncts in the diagnosis of neutropenic enterocolitis. Timely conservative treatment frequently allows resolution of the disease without surgery. Here we present a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in whom neutropenic enterocolitis complicated the clinical course.