Rapidly Progressing Myelodysplastic Syndrome Initially Presenting as Acute Leukemia

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) refers to a group of various stem cell disorders, characterized by dysplastic and ineffective production in one or more cell lines. In general, MDS tends to present slowly over months to years and is commonly detected with routine bloodwork by primary care physicians. Patients may be asymptomatic and depending on age, comorbidities and risk classification of MDS may not require aggressive therapy. However, MDS carries the risk of progressing to acute leukemia over time. We present a case of rapidly progressive MDS in a previously healthy middle-aged female, originally presenting and treated as acute leukemia.