Mimickers of AML

Q:  Deficiency of all of the following may mimic Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) EXCEPT? - select one

A)    vitamin

B) folate

C) copper 

D) pyridoxine

Answer: D

Deficiency of vitamin B12, folate, or copper can cause megaloblastic leukocytes and profound cytopenias. This may be confused with AML. 

Measurements and other blood work for suspected deficiencies of essential elements and vitamins should be performed.

Pyridoxine leads to microcytic or sideroblastic anemia, but not to megaloblastic anemia.

#hematology

Reference:

1. Konda M, Godbole A, Pandey S, Sasapu A. Vitamin B12 deficiency mimicking acute leukemia. Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent). 2019 Jul 30;32(4):589-592. doi: 10.1080/08998280.2019.1641045. PMID: 31656431; PMCID: PMC6793970.

2. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/acute-myeloid-leukemia-clinical-manifestations-pathologic-features-and-diagnosis @ uptodate (last access on August 12, 2025)