Successful Surgical Management of Typhlitis in a Patient with Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia

Typhlitis (neutropenic enterocolitis) is a potentially life-threatening complication associated with neutropenia and combination chemotherapy. The incidence of this disease is increasing in both patients with hematologic malignancies and solid tumors with the advent of more aggressive chemotherapy. Here, we describe a patient with acute myeloblastic leukemia in whom typhlitis developed during induction chemotherapy and managed successfully with both medical and surgical intervention during neutropenic period. Our experience reinforces prior reports that intense medical treatment, close observation and emergent surgical intervention has been shown to be life saving.