Unveiling the hidden clues: Döhle body-like inclusions as morphological markers for MYH9-related disorders: A case report

• Published in: Medicine (Baltimore) Vol. 102; no. 51; p. e36735
• Main Authors: Zhang, Yan, Zuo, Zhongbao, Yu, Wenyan, Xu, Aifang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 22.12.2023
• Subjects: Adult; Clinical Case Report; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural - diagnosis; Humans; Male; Molecular Motor Proteins - genetics; Mutation; Myosin Heavy Chains - genetics; Thrombocytopenia - diagnosis; Thrombocytopenia - genetics
• ISSN: 0025-7974; 1536-5964
• DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000036735

This study aimed to address the diagnostic challenges associated with MYH9-related disorders (MYH9-RDs) and highlight the importance of recognizing Döhle body-like inclusions as crucial diagnostic markers for this condition. Patients with MYH9-RDs often present with mild and diverse clinical characteristics, leading to misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, and inappropriate treatments, such as hormonal therapy and splenectomy. This section highlights the significance of understanding atypical clinical presentations and their impact on patients' well-being. This section emphasizes the misdiagnosis of MYH9-RDs as immune thrombocytopenia due to overlapping clinical features. This highlights the need for a comprehensive approach, including detailed personal and family history, careful review of peripheral blood smears, and identification of Döhle body-like inclusions to differentiate MYH9-RDs from other conditions. This study advocates for a shift in the diagnostic approach, urging physicians to pay closer attention to the morphological features observed in peripheral blood smears, particularly the presence of Döhle body-like inclusions and large platelets. This emphasizes the importance of avoiding unnecessary diagnostic studies through effective utilization of this simple and reliable method. By adopting a comprehensive approach that combines gene sequencing with morphological analysis, an accurate diagnosis of MYH9-RDs can be achieved. Early identification of MYH9-RDs allows for appropriate management strategies, genetic counseling, and prevention of complications associated with the condition. This section highlights the lessons learned from this study, emphasizing the need for increased awareness among healthcare professionals about MYH9-RDs and the importance of incorporating peripheral blood smear evaluations into the diagnostic process. This emphasizes the significance of accurate diagnosis to prevent unnecessary treatments and ensure appropriate patient care.