Acute Polyneuropathy in Children with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia: Case Report and Systemic Review of the Literature

Abstract

Acute polyneuropathy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia is extremely
rare, but its onset and association with Guillain-Barré syndrome presents a diagnostic challenge. We report a 5-year-old boy who presented with inability to walk during induction chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Subsequently he developed painful penile erections, difficulty urinating and swallowing. Besides adding a rare case to the literature and based
on a systemic review of the literature, we provide and discuss the neurologic profile and differential diagnosis of the acute polyneuropathy in childhood leukemia. Early recognition of
acute polyneuropathy in children with acute lymphocytic leukemia will facilitate a judicious
use of immunotherapy for Guillain-Barré syndrome and prevent a high morbidly and mortality.