Gingival infiltration in acute monoblastic leukaemia

Abstract

Acute myeloid leukaemias (AML) are aggressive haematopoietic neoplasms that, if untreated, can lead to death within days. Up to 40% of presenting patients show evidence of extramedullary involvement (EMI) at diagnosis. EMI is reportedly most prevalent in myelo-monoblastic and monoblastic subtypes of AML (M4 and M5 according to FAB classification) and can present as leukaemic infiltrates in many sites including gingival enlargement and mucosal and skin nodules. We report a case of a patient who presented with gingival enlargement secondary to leukaemic infiltration. This case shows the importance of awareness of leukaemic infiltration as a cause for gingival enlargement. © 2007 Nature Publishing Group.