Sudden Death Due to Cerebral Leukemic Hemorrhage in a 32-Year-Old Woman Who Had a Short-Term Benzene Exposure History.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), also known as acute myelogenous leukemia, is associated with severe hemorrhagic coagulopathy, which is induced by the drop in red blood cells, platelets, and normal leukocyte and the increase of leukemic cells. The case described in this report was of a 32-year-old woman who unexpectedly and suddenly died because of cerebral hemorrhage caused by undiagnosed AML while hospitalized. Further investigation found that the decedent had been exposed to benzene and its derivatives 6 months before her death. This case suggests that underlying AML should be considered as a possible diagnosis when sudden death occurs with a fatal spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage, especially if the deceased had occupational chemical exposure to benzene and its derivatives.