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A 2-year, 3-month-old Holstein cow presented with anorexia and enlarged superficial lymph nodes. Fine needle aspiration cytology of the superficial lymph nodes revealed large blast cells. Hematological examination revealed anemia, neutropenia, and blast cells in peripheral blood. Blast cells were the predominant cell type in bone marrow aspirates. Of the non-erythroid cells, 26%, 58%, and 18% were positive for myeloperoxidase, α-naphthyl acetate esterase, and naphthol AS-D chloroacetate esterase, respectively. Pathological examination revealed the proliferation of neoplastic cells, which were positive for monocytic markers, in the affected lymph nodes. The cow was diagnosed with acute myelomonocytic leukemia based on these findings. This report highlights the importance of performing bone marrow aspiration cytology and cytochemical staining when diagnosing bovine myeloid leukemia.

Backgrond: Hemophagocytosis (HS) is an interesting finding that is observed in bone marrow, lymph nodes, CSF other reticuloendothelial systems but at times is overlooked or is not incorporated in reports. Demonstration of hemophagocytosis is one criterion in the diagnosis of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Aims and Objective: Hemophagocytosis as an important finding evaluated in pediatric bone marrows having different clinical diagnosis. Materials and Methods: A retrospective descriptive analysis of bone marrow aspirates of 73 patients showing any degree of hemophagocytosis [out of 440 bone marrow aspirates] retrieved from the archives of Department of Pathology during the period from May 2017 to May 2020 were included in the study. Only those cases where microscopic examination revealed hemophagocytosis(73 cases) were included in the study. Results: On analysing the data of 73 bone marrow aspirate 11 (1 Primary,10 secondary) cases were confirmed clinicopathologically as Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, 9 cases (2 metastasis, 4 infective, 1 acute leukemia, ,1 nutritional deficiency and 1 Hypocellular marrow with degenerative changes) were not suspected to have HLH clinically however showed features of increased serum ferritin >500mg/dl and bone marrow aspirate hemophagocytosis, favouring a diagnosis of secondary HLH (WHO 2004). Conclusion: We present a spectrum of differential diagnosis presenting with hemophagocytosis in pediatric population and its clinico-biochemical correlation assessing progression to HLH.

Introduction: Bone marrow examination has become increasingly important for the diagnosis and treatment of hematologic and other illnesses. Bone marrow aspirates along with their peripheral smears and bone marrow trephine biopsies are considered to be complementary.Materials and Methods: This hospital-based, cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Pathology for one year (March 2011 to March 2012) at BPKIHS, Dharan. Fortyeight adequate bone marrow aspirates along with peripheral blood smears and trephine biopsies were selected and examined. Bone marrow trephine biopsies performed simultaneously with aspirate were correlated with the other two fi ndings to arrive at a conclusive diagnosis.Results: Bone marrow aspiration and trephine biopsy were found as complementary tests in 51.8% of cases. Bone marrow trephine biopsy provided a conclusive diagnosis in 25.9% of cases where bone marrow aspiration was inconclusive. Bone marrow aspiration alone was diagnostic in 22.2% of cases. In 43.7% of cases both aspiration and trephine biopsy were unable to provide a specificdiagnosis. Bone marrow biopsy was the diagnostic investigation in cases like aplastic anemia, myelofi brosis, and hypoplastic marrow.Conclusions: This study concludes that bone marrow aspiration smear along with peripheral smear findings and marrow trephine biopsy is required to arrive at a conclusive result.

Background: Endoscopic-assisted lumbar decompression is a minimally invasive spine surgery which has been touted to reduce collateral tissue damage, incisional pain, recovery time and complications. Residual back or leg pain and recurrent herniation are commonly reported post-operative outcomes. It has been suggested that injecting orthobiologics like cryopreserved amniotic-derived products (ADPs) and bone marrow aspiration (BMA) into the surgery site would have additional benefit on patient outcomes. This is a Western Institutional Review Board (WIRB)-approved level 1, randomized controlled trial of prospectively collected patient demographic and outcomes data for endoscopic-assisted lumbar decompression surgery. The primary goal of this study was to compare patient outcomes of orthobiologic supplementation during endoscopic-assisted lumbar decompression surgery. Methods: Following WIRB approval, 269 patients underwent lumbar endoscopic-assisted decompressive surgery between January 2011 and October 2017. Patients were randomized to receive ADP, BMA, both, or no supplementation (control group). Outcomes were measured by post-operative questionnaires (visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36)) over 12 months. Results: Mean VAS-leg for either BMA or ADP group displayed statistically significant improvements at 2 weeks (3.55 vs. 4.77, P = 0.002), 6 months (2.34 vs. 3.37, P = 0.026), and 9 months (2.18 vs. 3.57, P = 0.01) compared to no supplementation group (control group). Similarly, improvements in mean VAS-back were significant at 2 weeks (3.98 vs. 5.01, P = 0.011), 2 months (3.22 vs. 3.93, P = 0.04), 9 months (2.38 vs. 4.11, P = 0.004), and 12 months (2.23 vs. 3.58, P = 0.011) compared to no supplementation group (control group). There were statistically significant differences in the ODI (2 weeks, 42.19 vs. 31.11, P = 0.014) and SF-36 (4 months, 85 vs. 63, P = 0.043 for ADP only), but these differences did not subsist over time. Two patients (one control, one ADP) re-herniated at the same level. Conclusions: Orthobiologic BMA and ADP resulted in improved pain control during early post-operative periods. J Clin Med Res. 2020;12(2):64-72 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jocmr3972

Highlights • Atypical clinical features make it hard to identify VL in HLH in non-epidemic area. • VL is difficult to diagnose when traditional tests are ineffective, while mNGS is. • mNGS can be used as a detection method of HLH in children caused by rare pathogens., Background Visceral leishmaniasis-related hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (VL-HLH) is a secondary hemophagocytic syndrome, which can be life-threatening, caused by leishmania and transmitted by infected sandflies. Rapid and accurate identification of leishmania is crucial for clinical strategies. Case report Here, we report an infantile infection in a non-epidemic area of China. The infant was a 9.5-month-old girl with fever, pancytopenia and hepatosplenomegaly, which meet the HLH-2004 standard, and the negative gene results exclude congenital HLH. However, chemotherapy is ineffective and is accompanied by severe infection. Fortunately, she is diagnosed with VL-HLH (visceral leishmaniasis-related hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis), as leishmania is detected by next-generation meta-genome sequencing (mNGS) and quickly relieved after treatment with libosomal amphotericin B (L-AMB). Conclusion mNGS can detect leishmania in pediatric HLH, and should be performed as a new detection for VL-HLH, particularly for infants, who may not respond to HLH-2004 regimen.

Background: The distribution of non-malignant hematological disorder varies across globe by sex, age groups and type of disease. The objectives of this study were to determine distribution of non-malignant hematological disorders by sex, age groups and type of disease based on bone marrow aspiration in population of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Department of Pathology, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan from Jan.-Dec. 2014. 116 cases with non-malignant hematogical disorders were selected. Sex, age groups and type of disease were analyzed by count and percentage with confidence intervals for proportions. Chi-square goodness-of-fit test was used to testify two hypotheses. Results: Out of 116 cases, 63(54.31%, 80%CI 48.38-60.24) were men and 53(45.69%, 80% CI 39.76-51.62) women. Age groups wise; 31(26.72%, 80%CI 21.46-31.99) were child (≤17 years), 57(49.14%, 80%CI 43.19-55.09) young adult (18-35 years), 19(16.38%, 80%CI 11.98-20.78) middle-aged adults (36-55 years) and nine (7.76%, 80%CI 4.57-10.94) older adults (≥56 years). Frequency of type of disease was; hemolytic anemia 17(14.66%, 80%CI 10.45-18.86), megaloblastic anemia 16(13.79%, 80%CI 9.69-17.9), bone marrow hypoplasia 14(12.07%, 80%CI 8.19-15.95), iron deficiency anemia 13(11.21%, 80%CI 7.45-14.96), mixed deficiency anemia 9(7.76%, 80%CI 4.57-10.94), ITP 9(7.76%, 80%CI 4.57-10.94), aplastic anemia 8(6.89%, 80%CI 3.88-9.91), bi-liniage cytopenia 7(6.03%, 80%CI 3.2-8.87), erythroid hyperplasia 3(2.59%, 80%CI .7-4.47) and malaria 2(1.72%, 80%CI 0.18-3.27). In 18(15.52%, 80%CI 11.21-19.83) cases the bone marrow was diluted. Null hypothesis for distribution of sex (p=.3532) was accepted while that for age groups was rejected (p=

Visceral leishmaniasis is endemic in the western states of Eritrea, but it is rare in the city of Asmara. We report a case of an 18-month-old female with a high-grade fever, weight loss, and hepatosplenomegaly. No obvious cause of her illness was found. Routine blood investigations showed pancytopenia, and microscopic examination of bone marrow revealed intracellular and extracellular Leishmania amastigotes, so a diagnosis of leishmaniasis (kala-azar) was finally made. Visceral leishmaniasis should be considered when a child presents with fever, weight loss, organomegaly, and pancytopenia.

BACKGROUND PUO refers to cases having prolonged fever the cause of which cannot be ascertained despite all diagnostic investigations. Pyrexia of unknown origin was best defined by Petersdorf and Beeson in 1961 after a study as “a temperature of 38.30C (1010F) or greater on several occasions for more than 3 weeks duration and failure to reach a diagnosis despite 1 week of inpatient investigations”. The diagnostic spectrum of PUO is changing over time and PUO remains a diagnostic challenge. Bone marrow examination plays an important role in early diagnosis of underlying cause for pyrexia of unknown origin and can influence the management of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS It is a one-year prospective study. A total of 360 aspirations were done, of which 82 aspirations were performed for PUO as a part of diagnostic work up. RESULTS Bone marrow examination of 82 patients presenting as pyrexia of unknown origin was performed. Of a total of 82 cases, 52 cases (63.4%) were males and 30 cases (36.5%) were females. In children, 7 cases (3.7%) had acute lymphoblastic leukaemia followed by 4 cases (14.8%), showing haemophagocytosis while 3 cases showed megaloblastic changes (11.1%). 4 cases showed reactive changes only. In adults, neoplasm was seen in majority of cases 13 cases (23.6%), followed by megaloblastic anaemia in 12 cases (22%) 9 cases were reported as reactive changes followed in frequency by iron deficiency anaemia 5 cases, while mixed deficiency was seen in 2 cases. Atypical marrow infiltration, aplastic marrow and infectious aetiology (falciparum and leishmaniasis) were also seen in few cases. CONCLUSION Bone marrow examination is an adjuvant part of investigation of PUO in arriving at an aetiological diagnosis and subsequent treatment. The most frequent causes of pyrexia of unknown origin observed in children were acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, haemophagocytosis, whereas in adults, the main causes were malignancies, megaloblastic anaemia, iron deficiencies anaemia and infection.

Key Clinical Message Bone marrow aspirations are used in the diagnosis of patients with hematological disorders. Cytological diagnosis becomes difficult when aspiration is a dry tap. Smears produced from the material left in the needle following a dry tap can provide valuable information either to complement or even make an accurate diagnosis.

BACKGROUND Bone marrow aspirations and simultaneous use of bone marrow biopsies are important diagnostic procedures done in various haematological and non-haematological disorders. A comparative study of both the procedures done simultaneously was retrospectively reviewed in 50 cases with clinical correlation with BMA and BMB results. The advantage of each method is analysed. The objectives of the study were to assess the diagnostic value of the BMA and BMB and role of both the procedures to reach final diagnosis when done simultaneously and its correlation with clinical data. MATERIALS AND METHODS BMA and BMB were performed on 50 patients. Criteria of inclusion included the main indications for performing this procedure, the availability of full medical records and patient consent. The patients had a male to female sex ratio of 1.8:1 and a wide age range from 5 years to 76 years. RESULTS In the present study, the main indications for bone marrow examination were categorized. Out of 50 cases studied, in 33 cases, a strong positive correlation between BMA and BMB was noted. However, it was found that in the cases of aplastic anaemia, different phases of myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN), multiple myeloma, metastatic diseases, tubercular granulomas and haemato-lymphoid neoplasm, involvement of the marrow was detected better in bone marrow biopsies. Many of BMB aided with special stains and IHC came with better outcome. CONCLUSION The study concludes that preparations of aspirate and trephine biopsy are easy, rapid and complementary to each other in majority of the lesions. The advantage of both the procedures done together enabled us to study the cytomorphology of the cells along with the pattern of distribution of the cells depending on the cases, hence help in making the diagnosis accurately.

Priapism is defined as a whole or partial penile erection that persists for more than 4 hours without stimulation. Hematologic disorders are a significant risk factor for ischemic priapism. Here, we report a case of priapism due to chronic myelocytic leukemia. This is rare considering that the epidemiology of priapism in hematologic malignancies includes only 1% of patients with chronic myelocytic leukemia. Priapism has a relatively high complication rate, and management generally focuses on prompt treatment. Hematologic screening should be performed to rule out the possibility of these disorders that could underlie priapism., Highlights • Priapism is defined as a penile erection persisting for more than 4 hours without stimulation. • Here, we report a case of priapism due to chronic myelocytic leukemia. • Priapism is a urological emergency, which must be treated as early as possible. • Hematologic screening should be performed to rule out the possibility of undiagnosed hematologic disorders.

Background & objective Introduction: First detection of any solid tumour as metastatic deposits in bone marrow directs clinicians to start searching for the primary tumour. Detection of bone marrow metastasis determines the stage of the malignancy, prognosis, mode of treatment, chemotherapeutic response and follow-up in case of relapse. The aim of the current study was to analyse the clinico-haematological presentation and morphological pattern of infiltration of solid tumours detected first as metastatic deposits on bone marrow examination. Methods Three-year retrospective analysis of MGG-stained bone marrow aspiration smears and touch imprints of the bone marrow biopsy and Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) stained histopathological sections of biopsies was performed at the Department of Pathology at a tertiary care institute (January 2014 to December 2016). The morphological pattern of metastatic deposits and haematological profiles of the patients were analysed. Exclusion criterion was the presence of hematolymphoid malignancies. Results In 22 cases, bone marrow was the first site of detection of metastasis. The age of the patients ranged from 3 years and 10 months to 82 years, with equal gender predilection. Overall, 16 cases had cytopenias, 9 cases each had leucocytosis and leukoerythroblastic presentation. The metastasis was from Ewing's sarcoma, prostate carcinoma, gastric adenocarcinoma invasive duct carcinoma breast, gallbladder carcinoma, lacrimal duct carcinoma and invasive papillary urothelial carcinoma. Conclusions Bone marrow examination is a cheap and reliable investigation to detect metastasis in an unsuspecting case. Bilateral trephine biopsies are recommended to increase the efficacy of detecting bone marrow metastasis.

Background: Thrombocytopenia may be encountered in various hematological and nonhematological conditions and may be associated with dysplastic megakaryocytes which is a feature of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), even though they can be observed in non-MDS hematological conditions. Objective: To study the morphological variations of megakaryocytes on bone marrow aspiration smears in non-MDS-related thrombocytopenia in a Medical College in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Materials and Methods: It was a prospective study of 86 cases of non-MDS thrombocytopenia whose bone marrow aspirates were studied morphologically. Results: The most common cause of thrombocytopenia was acute leukemia followed by other systemic malignancies, megaloblastic anemia, and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Both dysplastic and nondysplastic features were observed in the above-mentioned conditions. The most common dysplastic feature was nuclear segmentation followed by micromegakaryocytes and hypogranular forms. Among nondysplastic features, the most common were immature forms, bare nuclei, and hypolobation. Emperipolesis and cytoplasmic vacuoles were noted in a case of pyrexia of unknown origin. Conclusion: Dysplastic megakaryocytes are common in non-MDS-related thrombocytopenia and their mere presence should not lead to the diagnosis of MDS. Hence, proper diagnosis should be made on megakaryocyte morphology, patient's clinical findings, and other hematological parameters. This understanding can improve the diagnostic accuracy for wide range of hematological disorders.

Introduction: Bone marrow aspiration (BMA) and trephine biopsy are indispensable diagnostic tools for evaluating hematological and nonhematological disorders in the present era. However, trephine biopsy demands greater technical skills and expertise as compared to BMA alone. In this study, we have analyzed the advantages of carrying out trephine biopsy along with BMA in the same sitting. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective observational study carried out from June 2014 to May 2015. The patients attending hematology and medicine outdoors were screened by detailed clinical examination, laboratory investigations including complete blood counts, peripheral smear, and whenever indicated were subjected to BMA and trephine biopsy in the same sitting. Results: Out of total 570 aspirations and trephine biopsies done, 8% showed inadequate aspirates and diagnosis was based only on biopsy findings. Confirmatory diagnosis of aplastic anemia was done on trephine biopsy in 100% cases. Fifty percent cases of granulomas and 33.3% cases of metastasis were missed in aspiration smears. They were diagnosed on trephine biopsy. All cases of myelofibrosis required trephine biopsy for diagnosis, but aspiration alone was adequate for diagnosis in majority of acute leukemias. Conclusion: Trephine biopsy is mandatory for diagnosis of aplastic anemia, myelofibrosis, and for staging of lymphomas. It specially carries diagnostic value in cases of dry tap and bloody aspirates. Aspiration is simple, has high specificity, and is especially useful for nutritional anemia, immune thrombocytopenia, acute leukemia, and multiple myeloma.

INTRODUCTION: Bone marrow aspiration (BMA) has an important role in the investigation and diagnosis of hematologic as well as nonhematologic malignancies and various other diseases. The procedure varies from one setting and person to the other. AIMS: The aim of the study is to study the role of 18G lumbar puncture (LP) needle in the diagnosis of bone marrow involvement in hematologic malignancies and metastasis for certain solid tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During this hospital-based retrospective study, 708 patients who clinically and histopathologically diagnosed with the malignant lesion and subsequently undergone BMA were included in this study. RESULTS: BMA was done in 607 patients diagnosed with hematologic malignancies and 101 patients diagnosed with nonhematologic malignancies. Adequate marrow material was obtained in the first attempt in 683 (96.5%) cases. Multiple aspirations were needed in 25 (3.5%) cases. The majority (86.3%) of the patients experienced less pain by the 18 G LP needle compared to their previous experience with the conventional BMA needle. Needle breakage was not seen in any of the cases. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that the 18G LP needle can be easily adopted for BMA and could be a great help in significantly reducing pain and complications in patients undergoing BMA.

Context: Pancytopenia is defined by reduction of all the three formed elements of blood below the normal reference. Hematological investigation forms the bedrock in the management of patients with pancytopenia and therefore needs detailed study. The aim of this study was to identify the underlying etiologies of pancytopenia cases presenting at our institute with clinico-hematological evaluation. Materials and Methods: In this 2-year prospective study, 105 patients aged ≥15 years admitted in hospital with a hematological diagnosis of pancytopenia followed by bone marrow aspiration and/or biopsy after receiving an informed consent were studied. The criteria applied for pancytopenia were hemoglobin level

Background Even though the incidences of hematologic malignancies have received considerable attentions globally, there is paucity of information on patterns of hematologic malignancy in Eritrea. The study was conducted to determine the distribution of various hematologic malignancies among patients who have received bone marrow examination, in the Eritrean National Health Laboratory. Methods A retrospective descriptive study design was used to determine the patterns of Hematologic malignancies diagnosed at the Eritrean National Health Laboratory from October 2015 to July 2017. Results Out of 207 patients who did bone marrow aspiration 52 patients were hematologic malignancy cases. The male to female ratio was 1:1. The age of the patients ranged from 2 to 80 years. Of the 52 patients 19, were less than 20 years of age and the remaining 33 were 20 years and above. Acute leukemia was the most common hematologic malignancy in the study area. It affected 18 of the cases followed by chronic myelogenous leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, multiple myeloma, and myeloprofilerative neoplasms. The presenting signs and symptoms in their decreasing frequency were generalized body weakness/fatigue, splenomegaly, fever, anemia, and lymphadenopathy. More than two-third of the patients had total leukocyte count greater than 10,000/μl. Conclusion This study shows that hematologic malignancies are not uncommon in Eritrea.

Response criteria in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has recently been re-established, with morphologic examination utilized to determine whether patients have achieved complete remission (CR). Approximately half of the adult patients who entered CR will relapse within 12 months due to the outgrowth of residual AML cells in the bone marrow. The quantitation of these remaining leukemia cells, known as minimal or measurable residual disease (MRD), can be a robust biomarker for the prediction of these relapses. Moreover, retrospective analysis of several studies has shown that the presence of MRD in the bone marrow of AML patients correlates with poor survival. Not only is the total leukemic population, reflected by cells harboring a leukemia associated immune-phenotype (LAIP), associated with clinical outcome, but so is the immature low frequency subpopulation of leukemia stem cells (LSC), both of which can be monitored through flow cytometry MRD or MRD-like approaches. The availability of sensitive assays that enable detection of residual leukemia (stem) cells on the basis of disease-specific or disease-associated features (abnormal molecular markers or aberrant immunophenotypes) have drastically improved MRD assessment in AML. However, given the inherent heterogeneity and complexity of AML as a disease, methods for sampling bone marrow and performing MRD and LSC analysis should be harmonized when possible. In this manuscript we describe a detailed methodology for adequate bone marrow aspirate sampling, transport, sample processing for optimal multi-color flow cytometry assessment, and gating strategies to assess MRD and LSC to aid in therapeutic decision making for AML patients.

Objectives: To study the spectrum of hematological disorders in children at a tertiary care centre in Kolkata, India. Settings: This study was conducted at the department of Paediarics and the department of Pathology of Dr. B. C. Roy PGIPS, Kolkata. The study period was from January 2012 to December, 2014. Methods: A retrospective analysis of charts of those patients who underwent bone marrow examination (aspiration) was made. Charts were analyzed in detail regarding history, examination and investigations. All findings were entered on a standard proforma. Results: BMA from 200 patients were analyzed. Nutritional anemia contributed highest number of cases among the nonneoplastic group. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia was the commonest malignant hematological disorder in the present study. Conclusion: Common haematologic disorders in our setting are nutritional anaemias and leukaemias. There is need to expand the scope of laboratory investigations beyond morphology.

INTRODUCTION: Bone marrow examination is a useful investigative tool for the diagnosis of many hematological and nonhematological disorders. Bone marrow aspiration (BMA) provides information about the numerical and cytological features of marrow cells, whereas bone marrow trephine biopsies (BMB) provide excellent appreciation of spatial relationships between cells and of overall bone marrow structure. We conducted this study with the objective of comparing the accuracy of BMA with BMB in the diagnosis of various hematological disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Both BMA and BMB were performed on a total of 130 cases and a comparative evaluation was performed in 100 cases to see the complementary role of both the procedures. However, 30 cases were excluded due to inadequate BMA, BMB, or both. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed whenever required. RESULTS: In our study of 100 cases, 87% of cases were confirmed on bone marrow biopsy and in remaining 13% of cases final diagnosis was achieved with the help of other ancillary investigations. These cases were excluded for calculation of concordance rate between BMA and BMB. The concordance and disconcordance rate between BMA and BMB was 72.4% and 27.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: BMA cytology and trephine biopsy histopathology complement each other and the superiority of one method over the other depended on the underlying disorder. Furthermore, application of ancillary techniques such as flow cytometery and IHC proved to be an additional advantage in further typing of various diseases.

Background: Bone marrow examination is an important diagnostic tool to evaluate various disorders which includes both neoplastic and non- neoplastic hematological diseases. Few studies have compared the relative value of aspirate with trephine biopsy. The present study was conducted to compare the role of bone marrow aspirate and trephine biopsy to formulate an effective and rapid method for diagnosing wide spectrum of hematological diseases. Materials and Methods: This is a three year retrospective study done from July 2010 to June 2013. A total of 95 cases presented with clinical haematological disorders; of which only 89 were biopsied and the correlation done. All the smears and sections were reviewed for morphological details and findings on aspirate and biopsy and compared to each other. Results: Out of the 89 cases selected for study; bone marrow aspiration revealed diagnostic materials in 75 cases and 14 cases were inconclusive for a definite diagnosis. The diagnostic accuracy of the bone marrow aspiration cytology was 84.26%. Eighty eight cases were diagnosed on trephine biopsy of bone marrow with diagnostic accuracy of 98.87%. Conclusion: Both the aspiration cytology and trephine biopsy complement each other for evaluating any haematological disorder. Though cellular morphology is better understood in marrow aspirates and is equally effective to biopsy in diagnosing various anemias and leukemias; however it is the histopathological study of trephine biopsy that gives well preserved marrow architecture with its all cellular and stromal components. modalities including radiological, microbiological and serological tests. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpn.v4i7.10294 Journal of Pathology of Nepal (2014) Vol.4, 534-538

Background Even though the incidences of hematologic malignancies have received considerable attentions globally, there is paucity of information on patterns of hematologic malignancy in Eritrea. The study was conducted to determine the distribution of various hematologic malignancies among patients who have received bone marrow examination, in the Eritrean National Health Laboratory. Methods A retrospective descriptive study design was used to determine the patterns of Hematologic malignancies diagnosed at the Eritrean National Health Laboratory from October 2015 to July 2017. Results Out of 207 patients who did bone marrow aspiration 52 patients were hematologic malignancy cases. The male to female ratio was 1:1. The age of the patients ranged from 2 to 80 years. Of the 52 patients 19, were less than 20 years of age and the remaining 33 were 20 years and above. Acute leukemia was the most common hematologic malignancy in the study area. It affected 18 of the cases followed by chronic myelogenous leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, multiple myeloma, and myeloprofilerative neoplasms. The presenting signs and symptoms in their decreasing frequency were generalized body weakness/fatigue, splenomegaly, fever, anemia, and lymphadenopathy. More than two-third of the patients had total leukocyte count greater than 10,000/μl. Conclusion This study shows that hematologic malignancies are not uncommon in Eritrea.

Introduction: Bone marrow examination is an important diagnostic tool to evaluate various disorder including both neoplastic and non-neoplastic hematological diseases. The two most important techniques used for the diagnosis are bone marrow aspiration and bone marrow trephine biopsy which are complementary to each other. Aim and Objectives : To compare the diagnostic value of bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. Material and methods: A total of 88cases with both bone marrow aspiration and biopsy were included in the study. All the aspirate smears were routinely stained by Jenner Giemsa while the trephine biopsy sections were stained by routine Hematoxylin and Eosin stain.. All the smears and sections were reviewed and the findings on BMA and BMB were compared and the final correlation done. Result: Hypolastic marrow was the most common diagnosis followed by immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). But the diagnostic accuracy of ITP on aspiration was 100 % in compare to hypoplastic marrow (81.25%). The diagnosis accuracy of BMA in our study was 84.09%. Conclusion: Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy complement each other. Bone marrow aspiration provides better study of the cell, whereas biopsy provides detail about the pattern of cellular distribution, hence when performed together it gives better diagnostic accuracy. Journal of Nobel College of Medicine Vol.4(1) 2015: 12-14

Objective: To report a case of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) following bone marrow aspiration and trephine biopsy. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A 76-year-old man was diagnosed with acute myeloblastic leukemia. Pain and hematoma were detected in his left leg and hip 4 days after bone marrow aspiration and trephine biopsy. A pelvic arteriography was performed, and a diagnosis of AVF was made. Conclusion: This case shows that clinicians should be aware of AVF, especially in cases with refractory bleeding after bone marrow aspiration and trephine biopsy despite normal blood coagulation parameters.

Background: Hematological disorders are quite frequent in all age group. Most of this hematological disorder first present as anemia. Bone Marrow Aspiration plays a major role in the diagnosis of its underlying cause. The aim of this study was to analyze the causes of hematological disorders, its spectrum and to interprete the bone marrow aspiration findings.Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective and prospective study carried out in the department of Pathology of Nepal Medical College in a period of two years. (July 2010 - June 2012). Bone marrow examination of 57 cases of suspected hematological disorders was carried out. All details of the patients were obtained from the record file in the department of pathology.Results: Out of 57 cases of bone marrow aspiration, erythroid hyperplasia was seen in 12 cases (21%). Megaloblastic anemia was seen in 7 cases (12.3%) and microcytic anemia was seen in 4 cases (7%). There were 6 cases (10.5%) of Idiopathic Thrombocypenic Purpura. Acute leukemia was diagnosed in 7 cases (12.3%) and among this acute myeloid leukemia (10.5%) was more common than acute lymphoid leukemia (1.8%). Myelodysplastic syndrome and multiple myeloma was seen in 3.5 % cases each. Aplastic anemia and kalaazar was seen in 5.3% and 1.8% cases respectively.Conclusion: Bone marrow examination is an important step to arrive at the confirmatory diagnosis of many hematological disorders.Journal of Pathology of Nepal (2012) Vol. 2, 309-312DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpn.v2i4.6885

The utilization of stem cell therapies is a trending topic in plastic surgery and fat tissue is the most commonly used stem cell source. Stem cell injection has become popular in the treatment of burn wound, especially in the late term scar modulation. However, insufficient amounts of fat tissue in the pediatric age group is a major limitation. The present study reports the utilization of tibial bone marrow aspiration as a source of mesenchymal stem cells in the pediatric age group with the simultaneous usage of x-ray examination to avoid epiphyseal damage. [Arch Clin Exp Surg 2017; 6(1.000): 56-57]

Chediak-Higashi syndrome (CHS) is an uncommon and fatal congenital disorder. The characteristic features of CHS are partial oculocutaneous albinism, increased vulnerability to infections, presence of abnormal large granules in leukocytes and an accelerated lymphohistiocytic phase. Accelerated phase at initial presentation is rarely seen as it is usually preceded by repeated episodes of infections. Hence this interesting case of a four-month-old Indian child born to consanguineous parents in accelerated phase at initial presentation is described. The boy presented with fever, hepatosplenomegaly, and cleft lip. Clinical diagnosis was leukemia or a lysosomal storage disorder. Cytopaenias, lymphohistiocytic infiltration in bone marrow, and the characteristic large granules in leucocytes helped in the diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of bone marrow in diagnosis of unusual presentation of this rare disorder.

Background Thrombocytopenia is common in the intensive care unit. Potential mechanisms and etiologies behind this phenomenon are multiple and often entangled. We assessed the effect of a systematic approach, using routinely available tests, on the proportion of patients in whom the mechanism (primary objective) and etiology (secondary objective) of thrombocytopenia in a mixed intensive care unit (ICU) could be identified. Methods Before-and-after study of all patients with thrombocytopenia was used. ‘Before’ group had no intervention. New standard operating procedures for thrombocytopenia management were introduced. In the ‘After’ group, bone marrow aspiration; determination of fibrinogen dosage, prothrombin time, factor V, D-dimers; assay of fibrin monomers, ferritin, triglycerides, lactic acid dehydrogenase, aspartate transaminase, alanine aminotransferase, vitamin B12, folates, reticulocytes, haptoglobin, and bilirubin were performed. Results In the Before group (n = 20), the mechanism (central, peripheral, or mixed) was identified in 10 % versus 83% in After group (n = 23) (p p Conclusions Systematic and extensive investigation using routine tests highlights the mechanisms and etiology of thrombocytopenia in most cases.

Background: The bone marrow is frequently involved in variety of cases presenting with hematological and non-hematological disorders, which are diagnosed by two separate but interrelated techniques such as bone marrow aspiration (BMA) and bone marrow biopsy (BMB). Aim: This study was aimed to assess the diagnostic value of the BMA and BMB and role of both the procedures to reach final diagnosis when done simultaneously. Settings and Design: It was a prospective study. The findings of BMA smears were correlated with BMB sections and data obtained was analysed. Materials and Methods: BMA and BMB were performed on 50 patients. Criteria of inclusion included the main indications for performing this procedure, the availability of full medical records and patient consent. The patients had a male to female sex ratio of 1.6:1 and a wide age range from 4 years to 74 years. Results: In the present study, the main indications for bone marrow examination were categorized. Out of 50 cases studied, in 23 cases, a strong positive correlation between BMA and BMB was noted. However, it was found that in the cases of aplastic anaemia, different phases of myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN), multiple myeloma, tubercular granulomas and hemato-lymphoid neoplasm, involvement of the marrow was detected better in bone marrow biopsies. Conclusion: The study concludes that preparations of aspirate and trephine biopsy are easy, rapid and complementary to each other in majority of the lesions. The advantage of both the procedures done together enabled us to study the cytomorphology of the cells along with the pattern of distribution of the cells depending on the cases, hence help in making the diagnosis accurately.

Background: Pancytopenia is a common hematological entity encountered in our laboratory practice. Evaluating the causes of pancytopenia is essential for the diagnostic as well as therapeutic management of the patients. Absolute Reticulocyte count (ARC) plays a pivotal role in identifying the cause of pancytopenia in most of the cases but it has grossly been overlooked. Hence, we attempted to identify the significance of ARC as a deciding parameter in evaluating the causes of pancytopenia. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in a tertiary health care hospital, Chennai, India. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted over a period of two years (2011-2013). Patients who satisfied the criteria for pancytopenia were evaluated with clinical details. Pancytopenia work-up including Peripheral blood picture, Complete blood counts, Reticulocyte count, Serum Ferritin, B12, Folate and Bone marrow aspirate was carried out. ARC was calculated and an algorithm to approach the cases of pancytopenia was derived considering ARC as the key factor. Results: A total of 429 cases of pancytopenia were evaluated and based on our algorithm results were tabulated. ARC was found to be 100x10^9 /L in Marrow infiltrative disorders and in cases of sepsis and malaria. Conclusion: We found that ARC plays an important role in differentiating various causes of pancytopenia and hence should be routinely included in pancytopenia work up in order to avoid unnecessary bone marrow aspirations in pancytopenic patients.

Systemic mastocytosis is a rare clonal disorder characterized by mast cell infiltration of one or more organs, with or without skin involvement. Leonine facies is a rare presentation and corresponds to the morphologic manifestation of diffuse dermal infiltration of the face as a result of long standing disease. Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy findings in a 60-year-old woman, who had extensive cutaneous infiltration due to systemic mastocytosis, resulting in 'leonine facies,' are described, and causes of leonine facies are discussed.

We report a case of a bone marrow aspiration and trephine biopsy (BMATB) associated haematoma in an 85-years old male without any predisposing risk factors. Six days after BMATB, he suffered from a massive thigh and buttock haematoma and a fall in haematocrit. It is important to know that BMATB can have complications aiding early recognition and therapy.

Background: Pancytopenia is a relatively common hematological entity. It is a striking feature of many serious and life-threatening illnesses, ranging from simple drug-induced bone marrow hypoplasia, megaloblastic anemia to fatal bone marrow aplasias and leukemias. The severity of pancytopenia and the underlying pathology determine the management and prognosis. Thus, identification of the correct cause will help in implementing appropriate therapy. Objectives: To study the clinical presentations in pancytopenia due to various causes; and to evaluate hematological parameters, including bone marrow aspiration. Materials and Methods: It was a prospective study, and 104 pancytopenic patients were evaluated clinically, along with hematological parameters and bone marrow aspiration in Hematology Unit, Department of Pathology, JJMMC, Davanagere, during the period of September 2005 to September 2007. Results: Among 104 cases studied, age of patients ranged from 2 to 80 years with a mean age of 41 years, and male predominance. Most of the patients presented with generalized weakness and fever. The commonest physical finding was pallor, followed by splenomegaly and hepatomegaly. Dimorphic anemia was the predominant blood picture. Bone marrow aspiration was conclusive in all cases. The commonest marrow finding was hypercellularity with megaloblastic erythropoiesis. The commonest cause for pancytopenia was megaloblastic anemia (74.04%), followed by aplastic anemia (18.26%). Conclusion: The present study concludes that detailed primary hematological investigations along with bone marrow aspiration in cytopenic patients are helpful for understanding disease process and to diagnose or to rule out the causes of cytopenia. These are also helpful in planning further investigations and management.

This is a problem-based learning case for a medical biochemistry-molecular biology course suitable for first- or second-year medical students. The case is that of a young girl who is diagnosed as a compound heterozygote for Gaucher disease and is treated with enzyme replacement therapy. Images have not been not included, as this case would typically be used in a biochemistry-molecular biology course before students have had exposure to histology. With the incorporation of images, the case would be suitable for a histology course or an integrated biochemistry-histology-cell biology course.

This study was aimed to evaluate the influence of bone marrow cell collection techniques and donor site locations on in-vitro growth of bone forming cells. MATERIAL & METHOD: Sixty six samples of bone marrow cell collections(BMCC) or bone marrow aspirates(BMA) from 15 patients were obtained. Thirty eight samples for culture were composed of 23 BMA from 7 tibial condyles and 16 ilia and other 15 BMCC from contralateral ilia. Other 28 samples were used for the analysis of alkaline phosphatase activities. After counting total cell numbers, mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) obtained from samples were incubated for 14 days. Alkaline phosphatase staining was utilized to count the number of stained colonies. RESULTS: Average MSC counts of BMA from tibial condyles and from ilia and those of BMCC from ilia were 1.42*106, 7.35*106 and 4.80*106 respectively (p=0.010). Culture of MSC aspirated from tibial condyles failed in all 7 samples. However, 9 samples of 15 BMCC and 9 samples of 16 BMA from ilia were successful in culture (p=0.018). The average of cell counts in the successful cultures was 7.92* 106, whereas that in the failed cultures was 2.85*106 (p=0.000). According to the result of multiple regression analysis, colony count was associated with the patient’s age and total cell numbers, but not with collection method such as BMCC or BMA (p=0.000, R=0.648, beta; age=-0.405, cell number=0.356). Based on calculation of the discriminating formula, the number of cells over 5.25*106 was needed for the successful culture. CONCLUSION: For the successful culture in vitro and for graft, the total number of collected bone forming cells is more important than donor sites or collection methods. In young patients, the graft of bone-marrow-derived osteoprogenitor cells is promising.

PubMedID: 15725319 Background: Invasive procedures such as bone marrow aspiration in children may be painful and cause anxiety. We investigated the efficacy and safety of remifentanil (R) alfentanil (A), remifentanil-midazolam (RM), and alfentanil-midazolam (AM) combinations in providing analgesia and sedation for bone marrow aspiration. Methods: Eighty children undergoing a diagnostic bone marrow aspiration whose ages ranged from 5-16 years (mean 9.20 ± 3.00 years) were enrolled in this study. The patients were randomly assigned to one of 4 treatment groups. Vital signs, sedation and pain scores, somatic responses (sweating and tears) were recorded before, during bone marrow aspiration and after 5 and 15 min of the procedure. Results: There were no statistical differences between sedation and the CHEOPS scores of the four groups during and after the procedures. The VAS scores were significantly higher for group A compared with groups R and RM during the procedure (P < 0.008). There were no differences between the VAS scores in group AM compared with groups R and RM (P > 0.008). There were also no statistical differences among the VAS scores of four groups after the procedure (P > 0.008). All patients had adequate sedation and analgesia. None of the patients in the study had deep sedation, hypotension, bradycardia, hypoxemia, or respiratory depression. Conclusions: Remifentanil, alfentanil, remifentanil-midazolam, and alfentanil-midazolam combinations are effective in children and can be used safely in bone marrow aspiration which is a brief but painful procedure performed in the pediatric patient group. © 2004 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Aims: To investigate the efficacy and safety of remifentanil and alfentanil compared with local anesthesia in providing analgesia and sedation during bone marrow aspiration procedures. Methods: Seventy-four children who underwent a diagnostic bone marrow aspiration were included in this study. Patients were assigned to one of 3 treatment groups (remifentanil, alfentanil and local anesthesia). Vital signs, sedation, pain scores, and somatic responses were recorded during and after bone marrow aspiration procedure. Results: There were no statistical differences between pain scores of the remifentanil group and the alfentanil group. Pain scores were significantly higher in the local anesthesia group compared with the other groups. None of the patients in the study had deep sedation, hypotension, bradycardia, hypoxemia, or respiratory depression. Conclusions: Remifentanil and alfentanil are effective in children and can be used safely in bone marrow aspiration procedure.

Introduction Bone marrow necrosis is a clinicopathological condition diagnosed most often at postmortem examination, but it is also seen during the course of malignancy and is not always associated with a poor prognosis. The morphological features of bone marrow necrosis are disruption of the normal marrow architecture and necrosis of myeloid tissue and medullary stroma. Non-malignant conditions associated with bone marrow necrosis are sickle cell anemia, infections, drugs (sulfasalazine, interferon α, all-trans retinoic acid, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and fludarabine), disseminated intravascular coagulation, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome and acute graft versus host diseases. The malignant causes are leukemia, lymphoma and metastatic carcinomas. Herein we report the case of a patient with precursor T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and bone marrow necrosis at initial presentation. Case presentation A 10-year-old Kurdish boy was presented with generalized bone pain and fever of 1 month’s duration which was associated with sweating, easy fatigability, nose bleeding, breathlessness and severe weight loss. On examination, we observed pallor, tachypnea, tachycardia, low blood pressure, fever, petechial hemorrhage, ecchymoses, tortuous dilated veins over the chest and upper part of abdomen, multiple small cervical lymph node enlargements, mildly enlarged spleen, palpable liver and gross abdominal distention. Blood analysis revealed pancytopenia and elevated lactate dehydrogenase and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Imaging results showed mediastinal widening on a planar chest X-ray and diffuse focal infiltration of the axial bone marrow on magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbosacral vertebrae. Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy examination showed extensive bone marrow necrosis. Immunophenotyping analysis of the bone marrow biopsy confirmed T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, as CD3 and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase markers were positive and CD10, CD20 and CD79a markers were negative. Conclusion The aggressive initial clinical presentation of our patient with huge mediastinal widening, development of superior vein cava syndrome and extensive bone marrow necrosis as initial signs made the diagnosis of the case difficult. The necrotic hematopoietic cells gave inconclusive results on the initial immunohistochemistry tests. The prognosis of bone marrow necrosis is better secondary to acute lymphoblastic leukemia in the pediatric age group compared with adults and those with underlying solid tumors. Despite the aggressive behavior at initial presentation, the patient responded to chemotherapy and necrosis disappeared at day 28 after the start of the therapeutic regimen.