Isochromosome (17)(q10) and translocation (4;12)(q12;p13) in a child with acute myeloid leukemia

Isochromosome 17q is a commonly observed cytogenetic aberration in hematolo gic malignancies. Isolated isochromosome 17q usually presents as a marker o f a chronic myeloid disorder, with a high propensity for transformation int o acute nonlymphoblastic leukemia (ANLL). t(4;12)(q11 similar to 12;p13) is a recently described translocation, associated with ANLL, predominantly in adults. In this article, we present a case of acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) in a 14-year-old female in which i(17q) and t(4;12)(q12;p13) were fou nd in the leukemic clone at diagnosis. We briefly review the literature and hypothesize as to the significance of the coexistence of these cytogenetic changes. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.