DOI: 10.36347/sjmcr.2024.v12i06.035

Pages: 1108-1110

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a rare yet aggressive blood cancer predominantly affecting young adults, often presenting with symptoms related to cytopenias. While cardiac involvement in leukemia is uncommon, it can manifest as pericardial effusion (PE), occasionally leading to cardiac tamponade. We present a case of a 23-year-old male initially presenting with dyspnea and chest discomfort, later diagnosed with T-cell ALL following the discovery of PE. Urgent pericardiocentesis revealed leukemic blasts, confirming cardiac involvement. Despite prompt initiation of chemotherapy, the patient succumbed to complications, including febrile neutropenia and infectious pneumonitis. This case highlights the challenge of diagnosing ALL with atypical presentations and underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach for timely diagnosis and management, especially in high-risk patients where rapid deterioration can occur. Early recognition of cardiac involvement in leukemia is crucial for initiating appropriate treatment and improving outcomes.