Sudden Unexpected Death in a Child From Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Abstract

Acute myeloid leukemia can rarely cause sudden, unexpected death in children. Presentation may be non-specific and death may occur in children with no prior medical history. Herein we present the case of a previously healthy 2-year and 2 month-old White girl, who on autopsy, was found to have acute myeloid leukemia with KMT2A rearrangement extensively involving all major thoracic and abdominal organs. This case is presented to the forensic community to discuss the presentation and findings in sudden death caused by acute leukemia. The case highlights when acute leukemia should enter the differential as a potential cause of death, as well as potential resources available in the postmortem workup of acute leukemias.