Cytogenetic features of erythroleukemia (EL). A study of 11 cases.

Cytogenetic studies were carried on 11 patients with erythroleukemia (EL). Most of these patients showed major chromosomal abnormalities (MAKA), karyotypic instability, and complex chromosomal rearrangements. On the basis of the cytogenetic criteria, 10 patients could be distinguished into erythroid (9 cases) and myeloid types of EL (1 case). The patients did not show any consistent chromosomal abnormality. However, abnormalities of chromosomes 1, 3, 7, 8, 16, and 17 were seen in more than one patient. In patients with the erythroid type of EL, besides the MAKA pattern, three patients showed increased frequency of hyperdiploid polyploid cells ranging from triploidy to tetraploidy.