“Anorectal infections in neutropenic leukemia patients are a significant and potentially life-threatening complication. The pathogenesis of this condition is not entirely understood and believed to be multifactorial, including mucosal injury as a result of cytotoxic drugs, profound neutropenia and impaired host defense. Establishing an early diagnosis is key and often made clinically on the basis of signs and symptoms, but also from imaging studies demonstrating perianal inflammation or fluid collection. The management of anorectal infections in neutropenic leukemia patients is not straightforward, as there are no well-conducted studies on this entity.”

“Anorectal infections are a common and important complication in neutropenic leukemia patients with a high recurrence rate and a serious cause of morbidity and mortality. The exact pathogenesis and predisposing factors remain undefined and many questions regarding the management of this condition remain unanswered, including the choice and duration of anti-infective therapy, ideal prophylactic measures, implications for subsequent chemotherapy or the optimal surgical intervention.”

Babakhanlou, Rodrick et al. “Anorectal Infections in Neutropenic Leukemia Patients: A Common Clinical Challenge.” Journal of hematology vol. 13,1-2 (2024): 1-11 Free Full Text