Preleukaemia and reticulocytosis: a case report with in vitro evidence for abnormal reticulocyte maturation.

A case of preleukaemia with marked reticulocytosis and a slightly reduced red cell 51Cr survival is presented. An in vitro 'reticulocyte survival' test suggested that the apparent reticulocytosis was due to delayed maturation of reticulocytes. The globin synthesis ratio suggested an abnormal ribonucleic acid. At autopsy, in addition to the findings of acute leukaemia, mesenteric lipodystrophy was discovered. This abnormality has been seen in patients with malignant diseases, especially lymphomas, but heretofore has not been reported in acute leukaemia.