Chromosome abnormalities in acquired idiopathic sideroblastic anemia with subsequent leukemic transformation.

Chromosomal abnormalities were demonstrated in the bone marrow cultures of two patients with acquired idiopathic sideroblastic anemia (AISA). Both patients subsequently experienced leukemic transformation and developed acute myelomonocytic leukemia (type M4). A review of the literature revealed that approximately 40% of the AISA cases manifest chromosomal abnormalities, of which 20.5% underwent leukemic conversion.