“spontaneous” Complete Remissions In Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia; Report Of Three Cases And Review Of The Literature

Abstract

A full-term male infant was born with skin findings suggesting a blueberry muffin appearance. Biopsy of a cutaneous nodule was consistent with monoblastic leukemia cutis, and bone marrow examination confirmed the diagnosis of leukemia. The infant has remained well 2 years after spontaneous resolution of the cutaneous eruption. Infiltrative neoplasms should be considered along with congenital infections and hematologic disorders in the differential diagnosis of a newborn with a blueberry muffin appearance. Spontaneous remissions can occur in many cases of congenital leukemia, especially in those infants with Down syndrome. These remissions, however, are often temporary, with recurrences up to 2 years after birth. Our patient has remained in remission for 26 months.