Myelodysplastic Neoplasms (MDS)

Author: George Girgis, MLS (ASCP) CM
Reviewers: Joshua J. Cannon, MS, MLS(ASCP)CMSHCM and Margaret Reinhart, MS, MLS(ASCP)
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Continuing Education Credits

P.A.C.E.® Contact Hours: 1 hour(s)

Florida Board of Clinical Laboratory Science CE Credit Hours

Florida Board of Clinical Laboratory Science CE - General (Hematology): 1 hour(s)

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This course discusses the epidemiology, etiology, and the diagnostic criteria of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). The classification of MDS according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines is explained along with morphological features and prognosis of MDS.

Objectives

  • Define myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS).
  • Describe the epidemiology and etiology of MDS.
  • Explain the diagnostic and morphological features of MDS.
  • Explain the classification of MDS according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.
  • Discuss the prognostic criteria of MDS.
  • Describe the differential diagnosis of MDS.
  • Discuss the treatment of MDS.

Course Outline

  • Myelodysplastic Neoplasms: Definition, Etiology, and Epidemiology
    • An Update in Terminology
    • Definition, Etiology, and Epidemiology
    • Definition, Etiology, and Epidemiology, continued
    • True or False: Myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS) are caused by viral infections.
    • True or False: Cytotoxic agents and chemical or radiation therapy may be etiologic factors of myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS).
  • Clinical and Diagnostic Features of MDS
    • Clinical Features of MDS
    • Clinical Features of MDS, continued
    • Diagnostic Features of MDS
    • Diagnostic Features of MDS, continued
    • True or False: MDS is associated with microcytic, hypochromic anemia.
    • True or False: The three myeloid cell lines in the bone marrow are granulocytic, erythroid, and megakaryocytic.
    • True or False: Patients with MDS commonly have an enlarged liver and spleen.
    • True or False: MDS is commonly associated with leukocytosis and neutrophilia in peripheral blood evaluations.
    • True or False: Most patients with MDS demonstrate a vitamin B12 deficiency.
  • The Morphological Features of MDS
    • The Morphological Features of MDS
    • Dysplastic Erythroid Cell Line (Dyserythropoiesis)
    • Examples of Dysplastic Erythroid Cells (Dyserythropoiesis)
    • Examples of Dysplastic Erythroid Cells (Dyserythropoiesis), continued
    • Dysplastic Granulocytic Cell Line (Dysgranulopoiesis)
    • Examples of Dysplastic Granulocytic Cell Line (Dysgranulopoiesis)
    • Dysplastic Megakaryocytic Cell Line (Dysmegakaryopoiesis)
    • Examples of Dysplastic Megakaryocytic Cell Line (Dysmegakaryopoiesis)
    • True or False: In cases of MDS, the dysplasia of the erythroid cell line may include nuclear budding and ring sideroblasts.
    • True or False: Normal megakaryocytes show multinucleation or monolobes.
    • True or False: Granulocytic dysplasia in MDS may include nuclear hyposegmentaion and/or cytoplasmic hypogranulation.
  • The Classification of MDS
    • The WHO Classification of MDS
    • True or False: The WHO classification of MDS groups MDS entities as those having defining genetic abnormalities and those that are morphologically defined.
    • True or False: MDS with increased blasts (MDS-IB) is defined as having >20% blasts in bone marrow or peripheral blood.
  • The Prognostic Criteria of MDS
    • Prognostic Criteria of MDS
    • True or False: The IPSS-R identifies five prognostic factors based on blast percentage, cytogenetics, and cytopenias.
  • The Differential Diagnosis of MDS
    • Differential Diagnosis of MDS
    • Differential Diagnosis of MDS, continued
    • True or False: Vitamin B12 or folate deficiencies may cause megaloblastic changes in the bone marrow and peripheral blood cytopenia(s).
    • True or False: Chemotherapeutic drugs cause bone marrow hyperplasia and leukocytosis.
  • MDS Therapy
    • MDS Therapy
    • True or False: There are no FDA-approved drugs for the treatment of MDS.
  • References
    • References

Additional Information

Level of Instruction: Intermediate
Intended Audience: Medical laboratory scientists, medical laboratory technicians, laboratory supervisors, and laboratory managers. This course is also appropriate for MLS and MLT students and pathology residents.
Author Information: George Girgis, MLS(ASCP)CM, has over 30 years of experience as a medical laboratory scientist, during which time he has been a trainer and instructor at Indiana University Health in the fields of hematology and hematopathology. George holds a Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery from Ein-Shams University, Cairo, Egypt, and a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences from I.U.P.U.I., Indianapolis, IN.
Reviewer Information:
Joshua J. Cannon, MS, MLS(ASCP)CMSHCM, received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA. He holds Medical Laboratory Scientist and Specialist in Hematology certifications through the ASCP Board of Certification. He was a professor at Thomas Jefferson University for seven years before transitioning into his current role as Education Developer at MediaLab. His areas of expertise and professional passions include clinical hematology and interprofessional education.
Margaret Reinhart, MS, MLS(ASCP), is the MLS Program Director and Senior Lecturer in Biological Sciences at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, PA, where she teaches hematology, clinical immunology, parasitology, and other related courses. She is also an adjunct instructor in hematology at Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. She holds a master's degree in biology and in health care administration.