Acute Iliac Artery Occlusion Caused by Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Abstract

Peripheral arterial occlusion due to leukostasis is a rare but serious complication of leukemia. A review of the literature reveals only sporadic cases of large-vessel occlusion secondary to leukemia, usually associated with significant morbidity or mortality. The authors present a case of acute arterial occlusion in a man with chronic lymphocytic leukemia who was treated with thrombolytic therapy. He had an excellent outcome when compared with other patients in the literature who were treated surgically. To the best of their knowledge, this is the first case of chronic lymphocytic leukemia causing largevessel thrombosis. Thrombolytic therapy must be considered a treatment option for patients presenting with acute arterial insufficiency due to leukostasis.