What is a common characteristic of acute myelogenous leukemia?

Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is often distinguished by the presence of Auer rods, which are cytoplasmic inclusions found in myeloid cells. These are formed from the precipitation of myeloperoxidase and represent abnormal granules that indicate a myeloid lineage of the cells involved in the leukemia. Their identification is significant for diagnosing AML and differentiating it from other hematological conditions.

While peroxidase activity can be indicative of myeloid lineage, Auer rods are a more definitive and characteristic feature of AML. The presence of large lymphoblasts is more associated with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and megakaryoblasts are more typical in acute megakaryoblastic leukemia or in conditions involving platelet precursors. Thus, the identification of Auer rods specifically aligns with the hallmark features of acute myelogenous leukemia, solidifying their role as a key diagnostic criterion.