[Myelofibrosis in acute leukaemia (author's transl)]

Histological changes in bone marrow reticulin were studied in 68 patients with adult acute leukaemia. Biopsies were performed on diagnosis and during the subsequent course of the disease. Marrow fibrosis was seen in 40% of the patients, with no predilection for morphological type of leukaemia. In most cases fibrosis was mild-to-moderate, diffuse, of the reticulin type and showing a fine regular fibre network. Pronounced fibrosis with signs of collagenization was rare. Complete regression of marrow fibrosis coincided with complete remission, and reappearance of fibrosis with relapse. The clinical and haematological course of acute leukaemia is not affected by marrow fibrosis, with the exception of more frequent bone pain and dry taps. Complete remission rate, remission induction time and mean survival time show little difference between patients with and without marrow fibrosis.