Morphology Monday (003) – Microgranular APML

Image of peripheral blood showing bilobed cells seen in APML.

This image is from a patient whose FBC showed an increased white cell count 113.6×109, haemoglobin of 78g/L and a platelet count of 58×109. The thrombocytopaenia (reduced platelets) is evident on the blood film image above. There is polychromasia and red cell anisocytosis (RDW 17.3). There are large cells with characteristic bilobed nuclei, with very occasional granules. These are seen in hypogranular or microgranular APML.

Image of peripheral blood showing bilobed cells seen in APML.
Peripheral blood film showing more bilobed or ‘butterfly’ cells. Though granulation is visible with light microscopy it can only be seen in some of the cells.

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Images: Personal photography.

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