Diagnostic and prognostic value of bone marrow biopsy in aplastic anemia. A study of 119 cases

A retrospective analysis of 119 bone marrow biopsies, performed at the time of aplastic anemia (AA) diagnosis, emphasized the prognostic value of several pathological features. Cellularity was evaluated with a better accuracy from biopsies as compared to aspirates and iron kinetics. Only bone marrow biopsies assessed myeloid "hot spots", which featured as favorable prognostic parameters in addition to the usual prognostic indices. The presence of megakaryocytes provided another positive prognostic influence. In contrast, lymphocytosis, plasmocytosis, and stroma injuries were negative in terms of prognosis. Such histological data should be systematically studied in AA at the time of initial evaluation and taken into account prior to choice of therapy.