Somatic mutations in the context of cytopenias with no diagnostic criteria for MDS is considered clonal cytopenia of undetermined significance (CCUS).
Diagnosis of MDS is based on morphologic assessment, so it can be challengingly subjective, particularly in patients with early low-risk disease. Therefore, it is critical to do a detailed evaluation and careful differential diagnosis between ICUS, CCUS and MDS. For example, the absence of dysplasia suggests CHIP. In addition, ICUS is defined by the absence of clonality.
Patients with CHIP likely have very low risk of progressing to MDS or other myeloid leukemia.
Learn more about the differential diagnosis in MDS.
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Cite this: Emmanuel C. Besa. Fast Five Quiz: Myelodysplastic Syndrome Presentation and Diagnosis - Medscape - May 12, 2021.
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