Anatomic Approach to Common and Uncommon Manifestations of Thoracic Leukemias with RadiologicPathologic Correlation

Leukemias are hematopoietic malignancies characterized by the production of abnormal leukocytes in the bone marrow. Clinical manifestations arise from either bone marrow suppression or leukemic organ infiltration. Lymphadenopathy is the most common direct manifestation of intrathoracic leukemia. However, leukemic cells may also infiltrate the lungs, pleura, heart, bones, and soft tissues. Pulmonary complications in patients with leukemia typically include pneumonia, hemorrhage, pulmonary edema, and sequelae of leukemia treatment. However, pulmonary abnormalities can also be related directly to leukemia, including leukemic pulmonary infiltration. The direct, non-treatment-related effects of leukemia on intrathoracic structures will be the focus of this imaging essay. Given the typical anatomic approach for image interpretation, an organ-based depiction of common and less common intrathoracic findings directly caused by leukemic involvement is presented, emphasizing imaging findings with pathologic correlations.