Behçet’s Disease and Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Case Highlighting the Complex Interplay between Autoimmunity, Infection, and Hematologic Malignancy
Achraf El Kabli *
Department of Internal Medicine, Ibno Rochd University Hospital, Casablanca, Morocco.
Safaa Mhaber
Department of Internal Medicine, Ibno Rochd University Hospital, Casablanca, Morocco.
Safaa Mourabit
Department of Internal Medicine, Ibno Rochd University Hospital, Casablanca, Morocco.
Mina Moudatir
Department of Internal Medicine, Ibno Rochd University Hospital, Casablanca, Morocco.
Barakat Laila
Department of Internal Medicine, Ibno Rochd University Hospital, Casablanca, Morocco.
Khadija Echchilali
Department of Internal Medicine, Ibno Rochd University Hospital, Casablanca, Morocco.
Hassan El Kabli
Department of Internal Medicine, Ibno Rochd University Hospital, Casablanca, Morocco.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Behçet’s disease (BD) is a rare systemic vasculitis with an unclear etiology, infrequently associated with hematologic malignancies. We report a 27-year-old man with severe mucocutaneous BD who developed acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML-1) following a SARS-CoV-2 infection. The patient presented with febrile pancytopenia, severe mucosal ulcers, and respiratory distress. Bone marrow examination confirmed 72% blasts, establishing the AML diagnosis. Despite rapid transfer to the hematology unit, the patient succumbed to respiratory failure within 24 hours. This case underscores the potential association between BD, infectious triggers, and hematologic malignancies, particularly in the context of prolonged immunosuppressive therapy. The role of SARS-CoV-2 as a possible catalyst and the impact of azathioprine are discussed, emphasizing the need for vigilant hematologic monitoring in BD patients.
Keywords: Behçet’s disease, acute myeloid leukemia, SARS-CoV-2, immunosuppression, vasculitis