Proptosis, a rare presentation of acute myeloid leukemia − AML M6 in a child

Abstract

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) M6 or acute erythroid leukemia is an extremely rare type of AML accounting for 3–4% of all AML cases. In children, AML is even rarer, in accordance to the fact that only 0.5–4.6% of all cancer-affected individuals are children. Proptosis as a sign of AML is well noted; however, proptosis as an extramedullary symptom in the case of AML M6 is very rare. A 3-year-old male child presented with bilateral proptosis. Bone marrow aspirate predominantly showed blasts, which by flow cytometry were concluded to be AML M6. Proptosis as an extramedullary presentation in the case of AML M6 in the pediatric age group was not reported in literature. We are presenting our case for its rarity.