Pure erythroleukemia: A case report and literature review

Pure erythroleukemia is a rare hematopoietic neoplasm, seldom reported in literature. Varied reports suggest a prevalence of 3-5% of all AML. We report one such case, presenting with non classical symptoms in a 65 year old lady. Peripheral smear examination and complete hemogram revealed a pancytopenic profile with circulating basophilic erythroblasts. Bone marrow study yielded erythroid hyperplasia with abundance of PAS positive proerythroblasts and dyspoiesis in other lineages. Pure erythroleukemias are known to carry a poor response to standard chemotherapy. The present case is a testament not only to the rarity of the disease but also for a reminder that such an aggressive neoplasm can indeed present in the most inconspicuous manner.