Hemophagocytosis in Acute Monoblastic Leukemia with a Complex Karyotype: A Case Report

Hemophagocytosis is a rare feature in leukemic blasts, occurring in approximately 1% of acute myeloid leukemias (AML), mainly in the monoblastic or monocytic subtypes [1,2]. Associations with chromosomal abnormalities, particularly t(8;16), have been reported, and the presence of hemophagocytic blasts can help suggest such cytogenetic alterations [2]. Unlike macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), no specific treatment is usually indicated for patients presenting hemophagocytic blasts [3]. We report a rare case of hemophagocytosis occurring in acute monoblastic leukemia with a complex karyotype associated with a poor prognosis according to the European LeukemiaNet (ELN) 2022 risk classification [4]. The clinical course was complicated by disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and the patient died on the fourth day of induction therapy, emphasizing the adverse nature of this entity.