myelodysplastic syndrome
Pronunciation: MY-eh-low-dis-PLAS-tik
Also written as: MDS — myelodysplastic syndrome
Clonal bone marrow disorder characterized by dysplastic cell development and increased risk of leukemic transformation.
Full Definition
A group of clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorders characterized by dysplastic changes in bone marrow cells, peripheral cytopenias, and increased risk of transformation to acute leukemia. In pediatric patients, MDS is rare but can be primary (de novo) or secondary to previous chemotherapy or radiation. The condition presents with refractory cytopenias, abnormal cell morphology, and characteristic cytogenetic abnormalities. Diagnosis requires bone marrow examination with morphologic assessment, cytogenetics, and flow cytometry.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as MDS; distinguish from acute leukemia by blast percentage.
In Context
- "Bone marrow biopsy confirmed myelodysplastic syndrome with refractory anemia and excess blasts." — Pathology report
- "The patient's therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome developed 18 months after completing chemotherapy." — Oncology follow-up note