Hypothalamic Hyperphagia, Obesity and Disturbed Behaviour in Acute Leukemia

Summary Hyperphagia with excessive weight gain and behaviour disturbances without other neurological signs appeared during a remission of acute lymphatic leukemia in a 4 year old boy. At autopsy, in addition to leukemic involvement of almost all organs, extensive infiltrations were noted in the medial hypothalamus, the meninges and in some other parts of the brain. 14 similar cases collected from the literature were reviewed. The conclusion was drawn, that the “hypothalamic syndrome” may be the only sign of extensive cerebral leukemic involvement. Its recognition may be of value in early diagnosis and correct treatment of cerebral leukemic complications.