Adult B lymphoblastic leukemia with a novel de novo chromosomal translocation [der(9)t(9;12)(p24;q12),-12]: A case report

Abstract

Patients suffering from adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are very ill and present most commonly with shortness of breath during physical activity, a pale complexion from anemia, a very low platelet count, the appearance of pinhead-sized red spots under the skin called petechiae, or prolonged bleeding from minor cuts and discomfort in the bones and joints. Fever in the absence of an obvious cause is common. Leukemic lymphoblasts may accumulate in the lymphatic system, and lymph nodes can be enlarged. We report a young adult male with a novel translocation in ALL, who had vague (uncertain) minimal symptoms and splenomegaly. The patient had a unique cytogenetic abnormality: 45,XY,der(9)t(9;12)(p24;q12),-12, which has not been previously described in ALL. This is categorized as a poor risk due to his failure to achieve complete remission after induction chemotherapy.