Spontaneous morphological and cytogenetic remission of MDS: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Introduction: Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of haemopoietic stem cell disorders characterised by cytopenias and dysplasia in one or more myeloid cell lines with a risk of developing acute leukaemia. MDS can occur as a primary event or following exposure to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Spontaneous remission can occur but is rare. Case Report : In this case report, a 39­year­old female developed MDS with a cytogenetic abnormality t (1;7) during treatment with cyclophosphamide for Wegener’s granulomatosis. A spontaneous morphological and cytogenetic remission occurred six years after initial diagnosis. Conclusion: Case reports of spontaneous remission in patients with primary MDS occasionally appear in the literature however there are very few reports concerning remission of therapy related MDS. This case is unusual as the patient achieved complete haematological and cytogenetic remission of treatment related MDS on a reduction of cyclophosphamide.