T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in an adolescent presenting with peripheral facial paralysis: A case report and literature review

Abstract

A cause of visiting a pediatric emergency department is facial paralysis. Although it is mostly idiopathic, it may also be the first finding of malignancies such as leukemia. Corticosteroid therapy decreases blast counts and may postpone leukemia diagnosis. Before starting corticosteroid treatment for facial paralysis in pediatric patients, it is essential to perform a complete blood count and peripheral smear evaluation.

Keywords

• facial paralysis
• leukemia
• t-cell leukemia
• steroids