Spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome in a patient with chronic myeloid leukemia treated successfully with allopurinol

Abstract

Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS) is an oncologic emergency that may occur in any patient with a hematologic malignancy, even prior to initiation of chemotherapy. Spontaneous TLS massive tumor cell destruction with intracellular electrolyte release prior to the initiation of chemotherapy. Spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome is a rare presentation, mainly occurring in Acute Leukemia and non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is a low-risk disease based on TLS risk stratification. To the best of our knowledge, spontaneous TLS in the chronic phase of CML successfully treated with allopurinol and aggressive hydration has yet to be reported in the literature. A case report is described regarding a 67 year old Jamaican female with a history of hypertension who presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting for 1 day. The patient was found to have leukocytosis to 344,000 with 4% Blasts, hyperuricemia, and acute kidney injury. A peripheral blood smear confirmed the diagnosis of CML. Bone marrow biopsy was performed with evidence of the chronic phase of CML. The patient met clinical criteria for spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome. The patient was started on aggressive intravenous hydration, allopurinol, hydroxyurea and imatinib. Creatinine and uric acid level improved on this regimen within 48 h of initiation.

Keywords: Allopurinol; Chronic myeloid leukemia; Tumor lysis syndrome.