Gelatinous transformation of bone marrow associated with ring sideroblasts: A diagnostic pitfall

Gelatinous bone marrow transformation (GBMT) is a rare condition characterized by adipocyte atrophy, deposition of extracellular gelatinous substance in the bone marrow and associated hypoplastic hematopoiesis. The underlying pathogenic mechanisms of GBMT remain poorly understood. Here we describe 3 cases of GBMT associated with ring sideroblasts. An electronic search of institutional archives was conducted via the laboratory information system to identify patients with a body mass index (BMI) of <18.5 who underwent bone marrow evaluation. The slides and reports for these bone marrow specimens were reviewed. Bone marrow specimens of 10 patients were identified and reviewed. Three (30 %) were found to have GBMT and ring sideroblasts, ranging from 2 to 20 %. Blasts were not increased and there was no other morphologic evidence of dysplasia. Every patient had one or more peripheral blood cytopenias. In one patient, copper deficiency was proven providing an explanation for the ring sideroblasts. To the best of our knowledge, ring sideroblasts have not been well documented in GBMT and aims to contribute to a better understanding of disease recognition and pathogenesis and also to prevent potential misdiagnosis as a myelodysplastic syndrome.