Auer rod-like inclusions in the cytoplasm of B-cell lymphoma cells with bone marrow infiltration

Auer rods were first described in the cytoplasm of leukemia blasts by John Auer in 1906. Auer rods are commonly seen in myeloid progenitors, and serve as a diagnostic morphological feature of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) [1]. The differential diagnosis of hematopoietic neoplasms relies on the detection of cytoplasmic inclusions resembling Auer rods. Auer rod-like inclusions have been described in multiple myeloma [2], prolymphocytic leukemia (PLL) [3], B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia [4], chronic lymphocytic leukemia [4], splenic lymphoma [5] and nodal marginal zone lymphoma [6], which are quite distinct from the needle-shaped azurophilic Auer rods in AML.
Source: Experimental Hematology - Category: Hematology Authors: Tags: Brief Communication Source Type: research