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Acute myeloid leukemia with mastocytic and megakaryocytic differentiation in a calf
Tsutomu Ikehata1, Yoshihiro Wada, Yoshiharu Ishikawa
1Tokachi Livestock Hygiene Service Center, 59–6 Kisen, Kawanishi, Obihiro 089–1182, Japan.
Insights
A rare case of acute myeloid leukemia was diagnosed in a calf. This bovine leukemia exhibited unique neoplastic cell characteristics, suggesting a myeloid progenitor origin.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Hematology
- Oncology
Background:
- Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a rare hematologic malignancy in animals.
- Understanding AML in cattle is crucial for veterinary diagnostics and comparative oncology.
Observation:
- A 10-month-old Holstein calf presented with significant spleen enlargement and moderate lymphadenopathy.
- Histochemical and immunohistochemical analyses revealed neoplastic cells with distinct granules and factor VIII-related antigen expression.
Findings:
- The identified granules were metachromatic, tryptase-positive, and naphthol AS-D chloroacetate esterase-positive, differentiating them from typical basophilic leukemia.
- The leukemia was hypothesized to originate from a common myeloid progenitor with multipotent differentiation capabilities.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of myeloid leukemia diversity in cattle.
- Findings contribute to comparative oncology research, potentially informing AML studies in other species.
Abstract:
A diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia was made in a 10-month-old Holstein female calf. The leukemia was macroscopically characterized by great enlargement of the spleen and moderate enlargement of some lymph nodes. Histochemical and immunohistochemical examination disclosed the presence of neoplastic cells either containing metachromatic and tryptase-positive granules or expressing factor VIII-related antigen. The granules, which were positive for naphthol AS-D chloroacetate esterase and did not have particulate contents, were distinct from those of basophilic leukemia cells. This leukemia was thought to be derived from a common myeloid progenitor capable of giving rise to megakaryocyte-erythrocyte progenitors and granulocyte-monocyte progenitors with the ability to differentiate into mast cells.
