ARDS as the Presenting Complication of Hyperviscosity Syndrome in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Case Report

Hyperviscosity syndrome (HVS) is an oncological emergency resulting from elevated cellular or protein fractions of blood causing respiratory or neurological symptoms. While the prevalence is relatively low in leukemias, there are only a few reports of HVS seen in chronic lymphoblastic leukemia patients. Here, we report a case of an unusual presentation of chronic lymphoblastic leukemia in a 73-year-old male patient with extreme hyperleukocytosis and HVS presenting as acute respiratory distress syndrome. He consulted our clinic with complaints of exertional dyspnea followed by an acute respiratory distress syndrome after hospitalization. After evaluation of computed tomography, Chest x-ray, laboratory findings, and ongoing symptoms, the patient was found to present HVS. Even though it is a rare situation, this diagnosis should also be considered when evaluating appropriate patients with hematologic malignancy.