Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a patient with newly diagnosed acute myeloblastic leukaemia presenting with severe respiratory failure

We present a case of a 51-year-old female who attended her local hospital with symptoms suggestive of community-acquired pneumonia. Within a few days, there was progression to severe respiratory failure, initially managed with invasive mechanical ventilation but rapidly deteriorating respiratory failure triggered referral for ECMO support. Initial investigations on ECMO demonstrated features of acute myeloblastic leukaemia with a superimposed community-acquired pneumonia. This was successfully managed with supportive treatment alongside mechanical respiratory therapy and targeted chemotherapy, achieving complete remission and full functional recovery.
Source: Journal of Artificial Organs - Category: Transplant Surgery Source Type: research