Leukemia Cutis – A Case Report

Leukemia cutis is a specific skin lesion which is characterized by diffuse infiltration of neoplastic cells and can occur in all types of leukemia. Leukemia cutis can have varied cutaneous presentations such as papules, macules, nodules, plaques and ulcers. We report a case of 52-year-old woman who presented with erythematous macules and papules over her trunk, thighs and upper arms. A skin punch biopsy showed monomorphic, perivascular and periadnexal infiltration by the cells positive for CD45, CD15, CD68 and lysozyme. According to the subsequent bone marrow biopsy and immunophenotypic analysis of peripheral blood cells, the diagnosis of acute monocytic leukemia (FAB AML-M5b) was made. In our case, the first clinical sign suggestive of the diagnosis of leukemia was the presence of erythematous macules and papules. Therefore, we believe that leukemia cutis should be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis of maculopapular rush on the trunk, upper arms and leg