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Quantitative analysis of the cell surface area of neutrophils in myelodysplastic syndromes/neoplasms
Yosuke Kato1, Daisuke Sakamoto2, Shoma Hasegawa2
1Department of Medical Technology, Kyorin University Faculty of Health Sciences, Mitaka, Japan.
Introduction:
The presence of abnormally small or large neutrophils in myelodysplastic syndromes/neoplasms (MDS) has been identified by experts and incorporated as a diagnostic feature in the World Health Organization classification. This finding remains subjective, however, and has not been quantitatively validated. We examined whether neutrophil size abnormalities in MDS can be quantified objectively.
Methods:
Peripheral blood smears from 200 patients with MDS and 169 patients with diseases other than MDS were examined. Neutrophil areas were quantified using ImageJ software following the selection of nonoverlapping cells under defined smear conditions.
Results:
Neutrophils with areas smaller than 170 µm2 or larger than 240 µm2 were much more frequent in the MDS group than in the non-MDS group (P < .001). Using these thresholds to define small and large neutrophils, we assessed the proportion of abnormally sized cells per case. Cases with 10% or more and 50% or more small neutrophils were much more frequent in the MDS group than in the non-MDS group (P = .002 and P < .001, respectively). Cases with 50% or more large neutrophils were much more frequent in the MDS group than in the non-MDS group (P = .03).
Discussion:
This study provides objective evidence that neutrophil size abnormalities are a characteristic feature of MDS and can be quantitatively characterized.
Insights
Abnormal neutrophil size in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) can now be objectively measured. This quantitative analysis confirms neutrophil size variations are a key diagnostic feature in MDS.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Abnormal neutrophil size is a recognized feature in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).
- Current World Health Organization classification includes neutrophil morphology in MDS diagnosis.
- Objective quantification of neutrophil size abnormalities in MDS has been lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To objectively quantify neutrophil size abnormalities in patients with MDS.
- To validate the diagnostic utility of quantitative neutrophil size measurements in MDS.
Main Methods:
- Peripheral blood smears from 200 MDS patients and 169 non-MDS controls were analyzed.
- Neutrophil areas were measured using ImageJ software.
- Thresholds for small (<170 µm²) and large (>240 µm²) neutrophils were established.
Main Results:
- MDS patients showed significantly higher frequencies of small and large neutrophils compared to controls (P < .001).
- Thresholds of 10% or 50% small neutrophils and 50% large neutrophils were more prevalent in MDS.
- Quantitative analysis revealed significant differences in neutrophil size distribution between MDS and non-MDS groups.
Conclusions:
- Neutrophil size abnormalities are quantitatively characteristic of MDS.
- Objective measurement of neutrophil size provides a valuable tool for MDS diagnosis.
- This study validates the morphological findings in MDS with objective data.
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