Multiple constitutional chromosome translocations of familial nature in Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia: a report on a unique case

Int J Hematol. 2005 Nov;82(4):347-50. doi: 10.1532/IJH97.E0504.

Abstract

A case of Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph(+)) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) featuring 2 additional balanced translocations, t(2;5) and t(6;12), as well as a robertsonian translocation, t(13;14), was diagnosed by routine bone marrow karyotyping. The breakpoints did not involve previously described CML-related chromosomal regions in any of the 3 translocations. Despite the patient's partial response following imatinib therapy, all Ph(-) bone marrow metaphases persistently had the 3 additional chromosomal changes. Moreover, stimulated peripheral B-lymphocytes from the patient also showed the same chromosomal changes, suggesting that we had found a complex constitutional chromosome aberration unrelated to the leukemia. Peripheral blood karyotype analyses of 6 of the 7 closest relatives from 3 generations demonstrated at least 1 of these aberrations, although in different combinations. Standard bone marrow or peripheral blood karyotyping of hematologic disorders may uncover otherwise symptomless, unrelated constitutional changes together with disease-specific chromosome aberrations.A triple constitutional chromosome aberration combined with a hematologic disorder has not been described until now. In addition, multiple constitutional aberrations persisting through at least 3 generations seem to be extremely rare. At present, no direct evidence exists to support a causative relationship between the familial translocations and leukemogenesis.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bone Marrow Cells / pathology
  • Family
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Karyotyping
  • Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive / genetics*
  • Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive / pathology
  • Male
  • Pedigree
  • Translocation, Genetic*