Neonatal Leukemia: A Case report of a rare disease with an atypical presentation

Abstract Background Even though Leukemia is one of the commonest causes of childhood cancer its occurrence in the newborn period is very uncommon, specially when presenting with non-specific symptoms. Case Presentation A 10 days old female Ethiopian infant was referred from a tertiary hospital to the Neonatal intensive care unit of Gondar university comprehensive specialized hospital after they found a markedly elevated leukocyte count while working her up for early onset neonatal sepsis as she was experiencing persistent vomiting since the first day of delivery. Physical examination was only notable for palpable spleen 3cm below the left costal margin. Further evaluation with peripheral morphology and bone marrow aspiration revealed numerous blast cells and a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Conclusion Neonatal leukemia, a rare disease in newborns, may present with unusual symptoms. It should be considered among the differential diagnosis when accompanied by the presence of abnormalities in blood counts and other suggestive features.