Chloroma is due to –
**Question:** Chloroma is due to –
A. Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)
B. Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
C. Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
D. Multiple Myeloma
**Correct Answer:** C. Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
**Core Concept:** Chloroma is a rare complication of myeloproliferative disorders, particularly acute myeloid leukemia (AML). It represents the infiltration of normal bone marrow with malignant myeloid cells, leading to the accumulation of abnormal myeloid cells in various tissues and organs.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** Chloroma arises from the infiltration of AML cells into different organs, such as the skin, liver, spleen, and gastrointestinal tract. In AML, there is a rapid proliferation of immature myeloid cells, which leads to the replacement of normal bone marrow cells and the formation of chloromas. Unlike chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), and multiple myeloma, which are characterized by the accumulation of abnormal plasma cells, chloroma is specific to AML.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) typically presents with a Philadelphia chromosome, chronic phase, and BCR-ABL fusion gene, which are not associated with chloroma formation.
B. Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) is characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis and cytopenias, not chloroma formation.
D. Multiple Myeloma is characterized by monoclonal plasma cell infiltration, not chloroma formation due to infiltration of malignant myeloid cells.
**Clinical Pearl:** Chloroma is a rare manifestation of acute myeloid leukemia, often associated with poor prognosis. Early diagnosis and initiation of appropriate chemotherapy are crucial for improving outcomes in these patients.