Case Report: Chronic Granulocytic (Myelogenous) Leukemia and Pregnancy

1. An additional case of coexistent pregnancy and chronic granulocytic (myelogenious) leukemia is reported.

2. Coincident with pregnancy the leukemia in this patient underwent a transition from the chronic phase in remission to acute myeloblastic disease with rapid exitus.

3. The pertinent literature concerning pregnancy and chronic granulocytic leukemia has been reviewed and evaluated.

4. Our findings indicate that pregnancy may have a deleterious effect on the course of the patient with chronic granulocytic leukemia, and may initiate an acute exacerbation of the disease.

5. In approximately one-third of the cases of chronic granulocytic leukemia complicated by pregnancy, an exacerbation and death occurred within eight months postpartum.

6. In chronic granulocytic leukemia, pregnancy should be avoided.