Chemotherapy-induced multiple vertebral compression fractures in a boy with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Abstract

Skeletal abnormalities have been encountered in children with leukemia and survivors of leukemia. Osteopenia and fractures have been frequently observed in subgroups of leukemia, which revealed CD10-positive phenotype and low leukocyte count at diagnosis. Therapy, such as chemotherapy and radiation, contributes to the progression of osteoporosis. However, severe bone fracture after initiation of chemotherapy is rare. We here report a rare case, where the patient showed severe vertebral fractures after remission induction chemotherapy. The clinical course with administration of calcium, vitamin D (1 α (OH) D3) and calcitonin is also shown.