A Case of Vertebral Body Compression Fracture as an Initial Sign for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia / 임상소아혈액종양

ABSTRACT

More than one third of patients may present with bone pain as a consequence of leukemic cell infiltration of bone, however, bone fracture itself is an unusual presentation for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Back pain by vertebral fracture is a rare initial presentation of childhood ALL. If back pain due to vertebral fracture is the only clinical manifestation of ALL without any other accompanying symptoms, signs, or hematologic abnormality, the diagnosis of ALL could be delayed. To promote greater awareness that vertebral facture caused by ALL, resulting in significant back pain without other systemic symptoms, we report on the case of an 8-year-old boy who complained only of back pain which occurred about one month prior to visit and who was later diagnosed with ALL.