The radiological manifestations of paediatric leukaemias at Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi

Abstract

A prospective study of 30 patients with confirmed leukaemia is presented. The study included analysis of chest, skull and bones at the knee joint. 20 males and 10 females were seen, 15 had ALL, 13 had ANLL and 2 had CGL. 6 out of 30 pa ti.e.nt s had no radiographic abnormality seen on their films. Radiological features included sutural diastasis, metaphyseal bands, periosteal reaction, humeral erosions, cardiomegaly, perihilar infiltrate and/or mass and pleural effusion. Metaphyseal bands and cardiomegaly were the most common abnormalities seen in 50% and 30% respectively. The results are compared with other studies done elsewhere. Apart from definitive laboratory tests, the chest radiograph is the next most important diagnostic tool as the radiologist could be the first to alert the clinician of the possibility of leukaemia. 14 patients were included for abdominal ultrasound examination after haematological confirmation of leukaemia. 9 of them had ALL and 5 had ANLL. Of these 14 cases, 8 patients presented with hepatosplenomegaly and 2 of these 8 patients also had nephromegaly. No ascites or para-aortic lymph nodes were seen in any of these patients.No focal lesions were seen.