Transformation of myelodysplastic syndrome to acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a child

Abstract

Childhood myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is an uncommon condition. Unlike adult MDS, pediatric patients have a more progressive course and rapidly transform to acute myeloid leukemia. Evolution to acute lymphoblastic leukemia is extremely rare. We report a 5 year old female child who presented with refractory anemia with excess blasts and transformed into acute lymphoblastic leukemia 4 months after initial diagnosis. © 2010 Indian Society of Haematology & Transfusion Medicine.