Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is most commonly associated with which type of acute leukemia?

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a serious condition that can lead to widespread clotting and subsequent bleeding due to the consumption of clotting factors and platelets. Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is particularly associated with DIC due to the presence of promyelocytes that produce large amounts of tissue factor. This factor acts as a potent pro-coagulant and can trigger the coagulation cascade, leading to the coagulopathy seen in DIC.

In APL, the characteristic t(15;17) translocation leads to the fusion of the promyelocytic leukemia gene with the retinoic acid receptor alpha, resulting in the production of abnormal promyelocytes. These cells not only proliferate uncontrollably but also secrete high levels of pro-coagulant stimuli that can lead to the rapid coagulation process characteristic of DIC.

This association makes acute promyelocytic leukemia unique among the leukemias listed, as DIC is less commonly reported with other forms of acute leukemia. Thus, the strong link between APL and DIC highlights the importance of recognizing this relationship in clinical practice, leading to timely interventions and management of coagulopathy in affected patients.