The purpose of this presentation is to describe central nervous system (CNS) involvement of the leukemia detected on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Leukemia, particularly acute leukemias, is at an increased risk of developing disease of the CNS or head and neck. This can take the form of direct leukemic involvement, underlying leukemic effects on the immune or hematopoietic systems, or antileukemic theraphy. Leukemia can directly affect the CNS in various ways, with the majority of cases being meningeal. The precise method by which leukemic cells enter the CNS is unknown, but may involve hematogenous mechanisms or direct spread from adjacent involved bone marrow.

Leukemia can directly affect the CNS in various ways. Uncommonly, involvement of the CNS on head and neck is the first manifestation of systemic leukemia [2,3]. More commonly, however, the CNS is involved in patients with known acute leukemia or in patients believed to be in remission following antileukemic therapy. Prior to the advent of CNS prophylaxis (primarily intrathecal methotrexate), CNS relapses occurred in as many as 75% of patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia [4]Direct CNS involvementCNS involvement may be either meningeal on parenchymal, although...

Radiologists should be familiar with the imaging findings of the CNS involvement of the leukemia which can affect different parts of the CNS. We have illustrated these findings with examples of children with leukemia.

F. Uncuoğlu: Nothing to disclose E. R. Avci: Nothing to disclose F. C. C. Sarioğlu: Nothing to disclose H. Güleryüz: Nothing to disclose

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