CLINICAL CHALLENGE- Part 1

 
 


A 59-year-old otherwise healthy male sought medical evaluation because of three months of fatigue.  Physical examination was unremarkable.  A CBC showed a WBC of 5,600 with normal differential, a platelet count was 150,000 and a hemoglobin 8.9. The erythrocyte MCV was 106.  Iron, B12 and folate studies were normal.  An erythropoietin level was reported at 500 units (markedly elevated). 

The bone marrow was hypercellular for age, M:E ratio 3:1, with mild reticulin fibrosis.  The erythroid series was left shifted with dyserythropoiesis.  The myeloid series was slightly left shifted with pseudo Pelger-Huet abnormalities present.  Megakaryocytes appeared normal in morphology and number.  Myeloblast count was estimated at 7%. Iron stores were increased; there was no increase in ring sideroblasts.  Flow cytometry showed a CD34+ blast population of 9% and maturing myeloid cells with aberrant expression of CD33, HLA-DR and CD56. Cytogenetic analysis showed the following karyotype:  47, XY, +8, 20q-, -Y [11]; 46, XY [9].    

The patient has two healthy siblings, 56 and 62 years of age.  HLA typing is being arranged.  

What would you recommend?
 


(After clicking "Submit", you will be taken to Part 2 of this month's Clinical Challenge.)