Description: The myelogram is a diagnostic test that examines the bone marrow, a spongy tissue located inside the bones, where blood cells are produced. This technique provides crucial information about the hematological health of the patient, as the bone marrow is responsible for producing red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. During the procedure, a bone marrow aspiration is performed, usually from the iliac bone, using a special needle. The obtained sample is analyzed under a microscope to evaluate cellular morphology, the quantity and type of cells present, as well as the possible presence of abnormalities. The myelogram is essential for diagnosing various hematological conditions, including leukemias, anemias, and coagulation disorders. Additionally, it provides information about the body’s response to treatments such as chemotherapy. The interpretation of myelogram results requires specialized knowledge, as alterations in the bone marrow can be subtle and complex. In summary, the myelogram is an essential diagnostic tool in hematology, offering a detailed view of the state of the bone marrow and its function in blood cell production.
History: The myelogram has its roots in the development of hematology as a medical discipline in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Although bone marrow extraction has been practiced for centuries, it was in the 1920s that systematic bone marrow aspirations began to be performed for the diagnosis of hematological diseases. With the advancement of microscopy and cellular biology, the myelogram became a key diagnostic tool for identifying disorders such as leukemias and anemias. Over the years, the technique has evolved, incorporating more precise and less invasive methods, improving the quality of diagnoses.
Uses: The myelogram is primarily used to diagnose and classify hematological diseases such as leukemias, lymphomas, and anemias. It is also employed to assess the patient’s response to treatments such as chemotherapy and to investigate the cause of blood count abnormalities. Additionally, it can be useful in monitoring chronic hematological diseases and in evaluating the bone marrow before a stem cell transplant.
Examples: An example of the use of the myelogram is in the diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia, where abnormal proliferation of immature cells in the bone marrow is observed. Another practical case is in the evaluation of a patient with severe anemia, where the myelogram may reveal a deficiency in red blood cell production due to a bone marrow disease.
