Azurophilic inclusions in plasma cells

Ali N, Moiz B
Correspondence: Dr Natasha Ali, natasha.ali@aku.edu

ABSTRACT
We report a 45-year-old man with complaints of chest pain and weight loss who was referred for a bone marrow/trephine procedure to the Aga Khan University Hospital. Bone marrow examination showed plasmacytosis of 95% with plasma cells containing coarse Auer rod-like azurophilic inclusions, which failed to stain positively with Sudan Black B or periodic acid Schiff stain. These inclusions have rarely been previously reported as they are more significant morphologically rather than having a prognostic value.

Keywords: azurophilic granules, multiple myeloma, plasma cells
Singapore Med J 2009; 50(3): e114-e115