Childhood typhlitis: its increasing association with acute myelogenous leukemia. Report of five cases.

Five children with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) are described in whom typhlitis developed early in the course of the disease. The plain and barium-enema radiographic findings of mass effect and bowel edema ("thumbprinting") were similar among the cases, although nonspecific. The increasing association of typhlitis with AML and its earlier appearance in the course of the disease should be recognized.