Myelodysplasia

Exam Cram

• Myelodyplastic syndrome (MDS) is a collection of haematologic cancers causing bone marrow failure

• Presentation: elderly- pancytopenia- anaemia, infection or bleeding, bone marrow blasts < 5% shows failure

• Diagnosis: bone marrow biopsy

• Management options: watch & wait, blood transfusions, chemotherapy, bone marrow transplant

Outline

Background

• Myelodyplastic disorders are associated with a 30% progression to AML

Assessment

Presentation

• Elderly subacute

• Lethargy, reduced exercise tolerance

• Recurrent infections or bleeding

Investigations

• Pancytopenia

  • Anaemia

  • Thrombocytopenia

  • Neutropenia

• Blood film: < 5% blast cells, 10% ring sideroblast

Diagnosis

Diagnostic criteria: bone marrow biopsy < 20% blasts + peripheral blood cytopenia

Differentials

• Myelofibrosis: replacement of bone marrow with fibrous scar tissue

Management

Options

• Watch and wait

• Chemotherapy

• Blood transfusions

• Stem Cell Transplant

Resources and References

1. Dotson JL, Lebowicz Y. Myelodysplastic Syndrome. [Updated 2022 Jul 18]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534126/

Links

1. Body Systems: Haematopoietic and immune systems

2. Specialties: Haematology

Written in 2025