[Acute myeloid leukemia with chromosome 5 deletion (a new syndrome)]

This report deals with a new syndrome characterized by refractory anemia, an aberration of chromosome 5 (deletion of the long arm) and the subsequent appearance of acute myeloid leukemia. The results stress the importance of chromosomal studies in cases of unclear, long-lasting and therapy-resistant anemia, since they may allow the early recognition of the development of acute leukemia.