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Prevalence and distribution of ringed sideroblasts in primary myelodysplastic syndromes
Abstract:
In order to determine the prevalence and percentage distribution of ringed sideroblasts in primary myelodysplastic syndromes, the results of Prussian blue staining were analysed in 133 cases. Ringed sideroblasts ranging from 1 to 86% of cells were found in 76 (57%) cases. The cases of primary myelodysplastic syndrome corresponding to the group entitled "acquired idiopathic sideroblastic anaemia" had between 21 and 86% ringed sideroblasts; these were also found in 40% (26/65) cases corresponding to refractory anaemia with excess of blasts. Seven of the 22 cases having morphological features of refractory anaemia with excess of blasts in transformation had ringed sideroblasts. It would appear that cases of acquired idiopathic sideroblastic anaemia have at least 20% ringed sideroblasts; they also seem to occur frequently in refractory anaemia with excess of blasts.
Insights
Ringed sideroblasts are common in myelodysplastic syndromes, particularly in acquired idiopathic sideroblastic anemia (AISA) and refractory anemia with excess blasts (RAEB). Prussian blue staining revealed their prevalence in over half of the cases studied.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorders.
- Ringed sideroblasts are a characteristic finding in certain subtypes of MDS.
- Understanding their prevalence is crucial for accurate diagnosis and classification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and percentage distribution of ringed sideroblasts in primary myelodysplastic syndromes.
- To analyze the association of ringed sideroblasts with specific MDS subtypes.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Prussian blue staining results.
- Evaluation of 133 cases of primary myelodysplastic syndromes.
- Categorization based on established MDS classifications.
Main Results:
- Ringed sideroblasts were found in 57% (76/133) of cases, ranging from 1% to 86% of cells.
- Acquired idiopathic sideroblastic anemia (AISA) cases showed 21-86% ringed sideroblasts.
- Refractory anemia with excess blasts (RAEB) cases had ringed sideroblasts in 40% (26/65), and 7/22 RAEB-in-transformation cases also exhibited them.
Conclusions:
- AISA is characterized by at least 20% ringed sideroblasts.
- Ringed sideroblasts are frequently observed in RAEB.
- Prussian blue staining is essential for identifying ringed sideroblasts in MDS diagnosis.
