Hematological malignancies presenting as spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome: A case series

Abstract

Tumor lysis syndrome is an oncological emergency caused by massive tumor lysis resulting in a constellation of metabolic abnormalities. It is observed most frequently in patients with high-grade hematological malignancies undergoing treatment. Tumor lysis syndrome can occur spontaneously and it can present as the first symptom of an underlying malignancy. Diagnosis should be considered if specific metabolic abnormalities are present even in the absence of previously diagnosed malignancy. We report three unusual cases of hematological malignancies, rare in view of the primary disease as well as its presentation as spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome where a high index of suspicion led to the final diagnosis.

Keywords

• Cairo-Bishop definition
• hyperuricemia
• renal failure
• spontaneous tumor lysis
• underlying malignancy