An Unusual Case of Philadelphia Chromosome–Positive Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia With Trisomy 19 Presenting With Megakaryoblastosis and Myelofibrosis

Abstract

Initial identification of chronic myelogenous leukemia is very important since targeted therapy leads to life-saving remission. Rarely, chronic myelogenous leukemia presents with an unusual picture, making the diagnosis challenging. We describe such a case of chronic myelogenous leukemia in blast crisis in a previously healthy 61-year-old woman. The patient presented with fever, myalgias, and night sweats and was first worked up for an infectious etiology. Because of persistent anemia, a bone marrow biopsy was performed that revealed fibrosis with increased megakaryoblasts. Even though initial cytogenetic studies could not be performed because of “dry tap” aspirate, persistent efforts for cytogenetic studies were made, including a “squeeze preparation” from the core biopsy, which revealed t(9;22)(q34;q11.2) and trisomy 19. The patient was treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors, chemotherapy, and subsequently an allogeneic stem cell transplant. She is in persistent remission. This case illustrates a complex presentation of chronic myelogenous leukemia and provides an overview of morphologic cues and the importance of performing cytogenetic studies that led to the diagnosis.