Acute eosinophilic leukemia

Acute Eosinophilic Leukemia (AEL) is a rare subtype of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), characterized by the rapid and uncontrolled proliferation of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in the bone marrow and blood.

Etiology

The exact cause of AEL is unknown. However, it is believed to be associated with genetic abnormalities, such as the rearrangement of the FIP1L1-PDGFRA gene. Other potential risk factors include exposure to certain chemicals and radiation, and a history of blood disorders.

Symptoms

Symptoms of AEL can vary widely and may include fatigue, fever, weight loss, night sweats, and frequent infections due to a compromised immune system. Some patients may also experience skin rashes, difficulty breathing, and organ damage due to the infiltration of eosinophils.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of AEL is often challenging due to its rarity and nonspecific symptoms. It typically involves a complete blood count, bone marrow biopsy, and cytogenetic analysis to identify any genetic abnormalities. The presence of more than 20% eosinophils in the bone marrow is a key diagnostic criterion.

Treatment

Treatment options for AEL include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and stem cell transplantation. The choice of treatment depends on the patient's overall health, age, and the specific genetic abnormalities present.

Prognosis

The prognosis of AEL is generally poor, with a median survival of less than two years. However, patients with the FIP1L1-PDGFRA gene rearrangement tend to have a better prognosis and may achieve long-term remission with targeted therapy.

See also

• Eosinophilia
• Myeloproliferative neoplasm
• Hypereosinophilic syndrome

NIH genetic and rare disease info

• NIH info on Acute eosinophilic leukemia

Acute eosinophilic leukemia is a rare disease.