title: Myeloid leukemia cutis in the setting of myelodysplastic syndrome: a crucial dermatological diagnosis.
abstract: Cutaneous involvement by myeloid leukemic cells is an unusual phenomenon. Clinical manifestations vary from erythematous papules to plum-colored plaques and nodules that may become purpuric and ulcerate. The definitive diagnosis of myeloid leukemia cutis requires the analysis of biopsy specimens using immunohistochemical staining to determine the expression of selective cell surface markers. We will review myeloid leukemia when first evident in the skin, particularly in the setting of myelodysplastic syndrome. The diagnosis of leukemia cutis in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome is indicative of concomitant or impending acute leukemic transformation. The early recognition and accurate identification of leukemic skin infiltrates in myelodysplastic patients is crucial, as this finding can have significant therapeutic and prognostic implications.
authors.affiliation: Dermatology, Pathology and Infectious Diseases, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103-2714, USA.
authors.forename: Laju M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: Amin
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Maghari
authors.forename: Robert A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Schwartz
authors.forename: Rajendra
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kapila
authors.forename: Aaron J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Morgan
authors.forename: W Clark
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Lambert
mesh_terms: D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D015470:Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D009190:Myelodysplastic Syndromes / Q000150:complications*; D011379:Prognosis; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*