A case report and literature review of management of high-risk newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukemia and co-existing COVID-19

Introduction Management of newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) together with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is challenging; moreover, the optimal treatment is unknown. Patients with leukemia might be at a higher risk of developing COVID-19 because of associated myelosuppression in the case of AML. The authors present the management of a confirmed case of severe COVID-19 in a newly diagnosed patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) and review of the literature. Case A 33-year-old man got referred to the hematology outpatient clinic because of marked leukocytosis and moderate thrombocytopenia. He was diagnosed as having COVID-19 pneumonia and high-risk APL at the same time. AIDA protocol and COVID-19 pneumonia treatments had to be given at the same time. At the end of this successful treatment process, the patient was discharged with complete remission. Discussion APL is a distinct and rare type of AML. Coagulopathy is the most important cause of early death owing to APL. Although there is no consensus regarding the treatment approach to be applied in the co-existence of AML and COVID-19 infection, there are various recommendations. Conclusion The simultaneous diagnosis of high-risk APL and covid-19 is a challenging process for both patients and clinicians.