An 18-year old male patient presents with bruising, fatigue, and diffuse extremity pain. He is noted to be tachypneic and hypoxic and has a diffuse interstitial infiltrate on chest x-ray. CBC reveals a WBC count of 285,000/mm3 (85% myeloblasts, with monocytic morphology), hemoglobin of 7.9 g/dL, and platelet count of 36,000/mm3. What is the most likely cause of the infiltrate and respiratory symptoms and the most appropriate initial treatment?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hyperleukocytosis; leukapheresis or manual exchange transfusion and initiation of induction chemotherapy. In this scenario, the patient's symptoms and lab findings are consistent with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with leukostasis, causing hypoxia and interstitial infiltrates. Leukapheresis or manual exchange transfusion is crucial to rapidly reduce the high white blood cell count, which can help alleviate symptoms and prevent complications like tissue hypoxia. Initiation of induction chemotherapy is also essential for long-term management of AML.
Rationale for why other choices are incorrect:
A: Hyperleukocytosis alone without leukostasis does not typically require immediate leukoreduction, as in this case. Induction chemotherapy should be initiated promptly to address the underlying AML.
C: COVID-19 infection would not typically present with such profound leukocytosis and monocytic morphology. Convalescent plasma and prednisone are not