Since the initial report of leukemia in a pregnant woman was made by Virchow in 1845. Acute leukemias are among the most common malignant neoplasms of young adult women. The eincidence in pregnancy is not accurately known. The leukemias are a
heterogenous group of neoplasms arising from the malignant transformation of hematopoietic(blood-forming) cells. Leukemic cells proliferate primary in the bone marrow and lymphoid tissues where they interfere with normal hematopoiesis and
immunity.
Leukemias are classified according to the types primary involved (myeloid or lymphoid) and as acute and chronic based upon the natural history of the disease. The cause of leukemia is not known in most patients although both genetic and
environmental
factors may be important. Acute leukemia occurs with an increased frequency in a variety of congenital factors. Leukemia is the second most common malignancy in women in the reproductive age group. the true incidence of acute leukemia during
pregnancy
is not known. The diagnosis of acute leukemia is suggested by the clinical manifestations of marrow dysfunction-pallor, diminshed resistance to infection, bleeding diathesis, and bone pain, peripheral blood smear and bone marrow examination
establish
the diagnosis. Treatment decisions for each patient must be based on several factors, including the stage of gestation and the maternal and fetal health at the time of diagnosis, themother' s prognosis and her likehood of pregnancy after
treatment,
and
the known carcinogenic potential of the drug in question.
Recently, we experienced a case of AML(M3) in a 26 years old pregnant woman. We presents this case with a brief view of literature.
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