A unique immunofluorescence method promotes accurate diagnosis in MYH9 disorders: a case report

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2004 Sep;26(9):579-83.

Abstract

The identification of a mutation in the MYH9 gene in hereditary macrothrombocytopenia has established a distinct entity proposed as "MYH9 disorders," which previously have often been misdiagnosed as chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura. The authors describe clinical and laboratory characterization of a family with the disorder demonstrating giant platelets, thrombocytopenia, and leukocyte inclusion bodies. The authors emphasize the efficacy of a unique immunofluorescence method for the nonmuscle myosin heavy chain A in the diagnosis, because it is more sensitive than May-Grünwald-Giemsa staining and more practical than electron microscopy or direct sequencing. MYH9 disorders may be much more common than previously realized if accurately diagnosed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Blood Platelets / pathology
  • Coloring Agents
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • Eosine Yellowish-(YS)
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique / methods*
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Inclusion Bodies / pathology
  • Infant
  • Leukocytes / pathology
  • Male
  • Methylene Blue
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Molecular Motor Proteins / genetics
  • Myosin Heavy Chains* / genetics
  • Platelet Count
  • Subcellular Fractions
  • Thrombocytopenia / diagnosis*
  • Thrombocytopenia / genetics

Substances

  • Coloring Agents
  • MYH9 protein, human
  • May-Grunwald Giemsa
  • Molecular Motor Proteins
  • Myosin Heavy Chains
  • Methylene Blue
  • Eosine Yellowish-(YS)