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A Case With Pancytopenia The Role of Cytomorphology
A Case With Pancytopenia The Role of Cytomorphology
A 63-year year old lady presented with which was in accordance with dyshematopeosis,
prolonged fever, frequent abdominal pain and and the diagnosis of MDS (myelodysplatic
a history of melena. Physical findings revealed syndrome) was established.
an anemic appearance and splenomegaly. The patient was then started on thalidomide
She was treated by the gastroenterologist and 100 mg daily. There was no significant
subsequently referred to the hematologist as the complications nor side-effects and after almost
peripheral blood count revealed pancytopenia 2 years her hemoglobin level is now normal
with a hemoglobin level of 6.5 g/dl, WBC 4000/ (between 12 and 14 g/dl), a dramatic reversal of
uL and a platelet count of 50.000 /uL. No blast her condition.
cells were found. Patient subsequently underwent Myelodysplastic syndromes are a very
a marrow aspiration. heterogenous group of myeloid disorders
Cytomorphology assessment of the marrow characterized by peripheral blood cytopenias,
specimen revealed the presence of abnormal occuring frequently in older people, especially
megakaryocytes and leukocytes (see figures) males and usually present as cytopenia. This
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