Hypocellular AML versus MDS-diagnostic challenge case report with review of literature

Hypocellular AML being a rare entity with considerable overlapping features and characteristics with various other entities brings a need to have a better and clear understanding of hypocellular AML to differentiate in the decision-making process for therapeutic patient management. With some degree of dysplasia inherently associated with AML it is challenging to differentiate hypocellular AML from Myelodysplastic syndromes. We present a case report where the diagnostic dilemma in an elderly male patient who presented with fever, pallor, weight loss and fatiguability. On clinical examination, the patient had hepatomegaly. The patient was non-affording and was hence given supportive treatment, and he died soon after. Here the diagnostic dilemma is discussed along with the review of literature on hypocellular AML. A better and clear understanding of hypocellular AML is required to differentiate it from other entities due to the considerable overlap in presentation hence improving the decision-making process for therapeutic patient management. The shortcomings are realised, especially when the bone marrow cellularity is less than 10%. Our case report is written to enrich more understanding of the limited published literature on the subject.