Myeloid Leukemia With Cutaneous Manifestations

Three types of cutaneous manifestations have been described as being associated with myelogenous leukemia. Of these, two are the result of infiltration of the cutis, subcutis and appendages of the skin by myelogenous cells: (1) the circumscribed, nodular variety, which is the more frequent one, and (2) diffuse, infiltrative erythrodermia, resembling seborrheic dermatitis, of which but one example has been reported. These types are identified as specific or true myelosis of the skin. The third type is the nonspecific or toxic eruption, which may present itself in the form of vesicles, papules, or pustules or as a small or large subdermal hemorrhage, and which shows no characteristic histologic structure. The case presented here belongs to the first variety—the circumscribed, nodular group of true myelosis. In presenting it we want to emphasize the necessity of correlation of the clinical features and the laboratory findings, both of which are essential in establishing