What symptom is commonly associated with blast crisis in chronic myelogenous leukemia?

In chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), the blast crisis represents a phase in which there is a rapid increase in immature white blood cells, leading to a more aggressive form of the disease that resembles acute leukemia. Splenomegaly, or enlargement of the spleen, is a common symptom during both the chronic phase and the blast crisis of CML. The spleen becomes enlarged due to the extramedullary hematopoiesis that occurs as a result of the accumulation of myeloid and blast cells.

While other symptoms may be involved in the overall clinical picture of CML and its complications, splenomegaly is notably significant during the blast crisis due to the increased proliferation of leukemic cells within the spleen. Hypercalcemia, peripheral neuropathy, and hyperuricemia may be seen in different contexts but are not characteristic manifestations of the blast crisis specific to CML. Understanding these associations helps in recognizing the progression of CML and managing complications effectively.