Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Associated with Hypofibrinogenemia

Abstract This study of 17 cases further establishes acute promyelocytic leukemia with hypofibrinogenemia as a distinct entity. This disease has a rapid course characterized by severe hemorrhagic manifestations and a poor response to therapy. The distinctive features of this disease are the presence of abnormal promyelocytic cells in the bone marrow and an unexplained hypofibrinogenemia. No fibrinolysin could be demonstrated in our cases. Fibrinogen and coagulation studies in patients with other acute leukemias are presented.