Esophageal varices in adolescent and young adult males with acute lymphocytic leukemia

Abstract

Hepatic late effects are not commonly reported in survivors of childhood leukemia. Four young male patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) were diagnosed with bleeding esophageal varices (EVs) during or shortly after completion of maintenance chemotherapy. EVs were identified from 0 to 60 months after completion of leukemia therapy. All four patients were men between 20 to 24 years old. Hematemesis was the most common presenting symptom. Associated features included splenomegaly, cytopenias, azole therapy, alcohol use, and hepatic iron overload. EVs may be an under-recognized complication of ALL therapy, with adolescent and young adult males at highest risk.