A case of RAEB “in transformation” with complicated chromosome abnormalities is reported. With the sequential Q and C banding using base specific antibiotics and fluorochrome, such as actinomycin D, distamycin A, and DAPI, a subtelocentric complicated marker chromosome found in this case was analysed to be der (11) trip t(11; 7; 9) (q 13; q11 q33; q11). In addition, the deletion of the long arm of chromosome 5, 5q-anomaly, was demonstrated to be del (5) (q15).
Among preleukemic states, a specific entity associated with an interstitial deletion of the long arm of No.5 seems to constitute a well delineated syndrome, and it was suggested that 5 q-refractory anemia might terminate in acute myelogenous leukemia which was usually associated with other chromosome aberrations.
In the present case, dyserythropoiesis with ringed sideroblasts and low percentage of blasts in the bone marrow were characteristic. A diagnosis of RAEB “in transformation” was made by these clinical and cytogenetic findings. We discussed the role of 5 q-anomaly in leukemogenesis of the eukaryotic cells and showed the usefulness of the sequential staining.
