MYELODYSPLASTIC SYNDROME-ASSOCIATED WITH MYELOFIBROSIS, A REPORT OF 3CASES

Three cases of primary myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) associated with myelofibrosis were initially diagnosed as refractory anemia by the pre sence of bicytopenia or pancytopenia and having normo- or hypercellula r marrow with dysplastic features. The bane marrow aspiration of these patients showed dry tap a few months after admission, or on admission . Their bone marrow biopsy specimens revealed various grades of increa sed formation of reticulin fibers. One patient entered into complete r emission in response to metenolone, while the other two patients died of cerebral hemorrhage several months after admission. These results i ndicate that this disease should be classified as a distinct subgroup of MDS.