Double minute chromosomes containing MYB gene and NUP214-ABL1 fusion gene in T-cell leukemia detected by single nucleotide polymorphism DNA microarray and fluorescence in situ hybridization.

A 57-year old female was referred to our hospital because of flu like symptoms, and extensive bilateral pleural and pericardial effusion. However, the patient showed neither lymphadenopathy nor hepatosplenomegaly. Examination of cells in her pleural effusion revealed atypical cells with convoluted nuclear contour, dense chromatin, and bizarre mitotic figures. Numerous atypical cells had “flower shape” nuclei (Figure 1A).. She was negative for HTLV-I virus. Similar abnormal cells were also detected in the peripheral blood and bone marrow.