Aleukaemic leukaemia cutis: case report and review of the literature

'Aleukaemic leukaemia cutis' or acute leukaemia confined to the skin is extremely rare, although skin involvement with underlying leukaemia is well recognized, and is associated with a poor prognosis. We report a case of isolated acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in the skin. A literature review shows this to be commonly misdiagnosed. Its recognition is important, because early diagnosis should lead to more appropriate chemotherapy, and a better prognosis. These patients probably require therapy directed specifically to the skin, as well as to other extramedullary sites, such as the central nervous system, to prevent early relapse.