A patient with t(15;17) PML-RARA fusion and elevated D-dimer has acute leukemia with abrupt coagulopathy. Which AML subtype is diagnosed?

Get ready for the CAMLPR Hematology Test. Use our quizzes, flashcards, and detailed explanations to enhance your understanding. Prepare confidently for your exam!

Multiple Choice

A patient with t(15;17) PML-RARA fusion and elevated D-dimer has acute leukemia with abrupt coagulopathy. Which AML subtype is diagnosed?

Acute promyelocytic leukemia is defined by the t(15;17) translocation creating the PML-RARA fusion. This abnormality blocks maturation at the promyelocyte stage and drives a high risk of disseminated intravascular coagulation, explaining the abrupt coagulopathy and elevated D-dimer. In the FAB classification, this profile corresponds to M3. The presence of the characteristic translocation with a DIC picture clinches M3 as the diagnosis, rather than the other AML subtypes, which do not typically present with this coagulopathy.

Acute promyelocytic leukemia is defined by the t(15;17) translocation creating the PML-RARA fusion. This abnormality blocks maturation at the promyelocyte stage and drives a high risk of disseminated intravascular coagulation, explaining the abrupt coagulopathy and elevated D-dimer. In the FAB classification, this profile corresponds to M3. The presence of the characteristic translocation with a DIC picture clinches M3 as the diagnosis, rather than the other AML subtypes, which do not typically present with this coagulopathy.

More practice questions