Perforated jejunitis in a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated with pegaspargase

Abstract

Survival rates of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia have improved since the incorporation of asparaginase in the treatment protocol, but the medication has potential serious complications, including vascular thrombosis. Here, we describe the case of a 13-year-old boy with pre-T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia whose treatment course was complicated by perforated jejunitis requiring resection of a portion of his small bowel. Pathologic assessment showed transmural ischemia, mesenteric venous and arterial thrombi, and scattered cytomegalovirus inclusion bodies. Pediatric mesenteric ischemia is rare, and its consideration in patients treated with asparaginase is discussed. Keywords: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Pediatric, Asparaginase, Complications, Acute mesenteric ischemia, Computed tomography