FRCPath Haematology Part 2: Morphology Myelodysplastic Syndromes MDS Overview

MDS Overview

Myelodysplastic syndrome is a group of haematological malignancy which is characterized by clonal haematopoiesis, one or more lineage of cytopenias and abnormal maturation. There is a risk of transformation into acute myeloid leukaemia.

MDS is classified via the WHO classification system, based on various morphological, cytogenetics and molecular characteristics.

This includes:

  • Number of dysplastic lineages
  • Percentage of blasts in bone marrow and peripheral blood
  • Cytogenetic findings
  • Percentage of ring sideroblasts
  • Degree of cytopenias

Classification (WHO 2016)

Dysplastic features:

The morphological features seen in MDS can be classified based on the lineage.

Dysplasia is considered significant in a lineage when it exceeds the 10% threshold.

Other Resources

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