Auer body

Auer body is a distinctive rod-like structure that can be observed in the cytoplasm of certain types of blood cells, particularly in myeloblasts. Named after the American pathologist John Auer, Auer bodies are most commonly associated with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but can also be seen in other myeloproliferative disorders.

History

John Auer first described these structures in 1906 while studying the blood of patients with leukemia. He noted the presence of "rod-like bodies" in the cytoplasm of certain cells, which were later named Auer bodies in his honor.

Structure and Composition

Auer bodies are elongated, needle-like structures that can vary in size and number. They are composed of fused lysosomes, and contain a variety of enzymes, including peroxidase, esterase, and acid phosphatase. The presence of these enzymes gives Auer bodies their characteristic reddish color when stained with Wright's stain or Giemsa stain.

Clinical Significance

The presence of Auer bodies is a significant diagnostic feature in certain types of leukemia, particularly acute myeloid leukemia (AML). They are also seen in myelodysplastic syndromes and other myeloproliferative disorders. The presence of multiple Auer bodies in a single cell, known as a "faggot cell", is a particularly ominous sign, often associated with a subtype of AML known as acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL).

See Also

• Acute myeloid leukemia
• John Auer
• Myeloblast
• Myeloproliferative disorders