Myelodysplastic transformation of polycythemia vera: case report and review of the literature.

We report a case of refractory anemia with excess blasts (RAEB) developing in a 67-year old man with a history of polycythemia vera; results of cytogenetic and immunophenotyping studies are described. In this report the clinical, cytogenetic and hematologic features of myelodysplasia complicating polycythemia vera are reviewed. Results of immunophenotyping and cytogenetic studies, and the preponderance of cases developing after myelosuppressive therapy suggest that in the majority of cases myelodysplasia is treatment-related.