HEMATOLOGY
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
Etiology
• Chromosomal translocations (e.g., t[15;17] → APL)
• Radiation, chemotherapy, myelodysplasia
Pathogenesis
• Accumulation of myeloid blasts → marrow failure
Clinical features
• Fatigue, infections, bleeding, bone pain
• Gum hypertrophy (monocytic subtype)
• Hepatosplenomegaly, fever
• DIC in APL subtype
Lab findings
• ↑ Myeloblasts (>20%) in marrow/blood
• Auer rods (needle-like inclusions)
• Cytopenias, t(15;17) → PML-RARA fusion
Treatment
• Cytarabine + anthracycline
• ATRA ± arsenic trioxide (APL subtype)