The Gastrointestinal Lesions and Complications of the Leukemias

Abstract

This study emphasizes: a) the relatively high incidence of leukemic infiltrates of the gastrointestinal tract; b) the increasing frequency of mycotlc infections in patients with leukemia; c) the importance of gastro intestinal bleeding in patients with leukemia; d) the growing problem of the gram-negative infections and bacteremic shock; e) the high frequency of necrotic and hemorrhagic lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, attributable to several factors including shock, use of antimetabolites, corticosteroids, and leukemic necrosis; f) the relatively high incidence of surgical complications related to the gastrointestinal tract, such as gangrenous appendicitis, perforation of the small or large intestine, and agranulocytic abscesses of the bowel and liver.