[Complex chromosome aberrations between no. 17 and no. 21 in acute myelo-megakaryocytic leukemia: a case report]

A 10 month-old boy presented with fever. He was diagnosed as having acute myelo-megakaryocytic leukemia by electron microscopic cytochemical examination. In spite of aggressive chemotherapy, complete remission could not be achieved and he died seventeen months after the diagnosis was made. G-band karyotypes of the bone marrow cells revealed 45, XY, -17, -21, + dir tan dup (17;21) (17pter----cen----17q25::17q21----17q25;21q11 ----21qter). Furthermore, the same chromosomal aberrations were detected in the cells which were tetraploid and octaploid. Although, neoplastic changes in the progenitor cells immediately before differentiating to CFU-Meg and CFU-GM, are suggested there is a possibility of clonal evolution.