The prognostic significance of myelonecrosis after induction therapy in acute leukemia.

Myelonecrosis is a rare antemortem finding in acute leukemia and its clinical significance is uncertain. The clinical events in nine patients with acute leukemia whose bone marrow biopsies after induction therapy revealed myelonecrosis were reviewed. No patient gained a complete remission and four patients achieved a partial remission. The median duration of survival was 2 months (range, less than 1 month to 8.5 months) from the start of therapy. Myelonerosis after induction therapy in acute leukemia indicates a very poor prognosis.