Myelofibrosis

Fibrosis (spontaneous scarring) of the bone marrow. This can be associated with a variety of diseases, primarily myeloproliferative (pre-leukemic) disorders. Sometimes used interchangeably with agnogenic myeloid metaplasia. Myelofibrosis is characterized by significant anemia and an enlarged spleen. Acute myelofibrosis is a distinct disorder characterized by acute inadequate blood cell production (pancytopenia), marrow fibrosis, but no enlargement of the spleen or liver.

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Fibrosis of the bone marrow, especially generalized, associated with myeloid metaplasia of the spleen and other organs, leukoerythroblastic anemia, and thrombocytopenia, although the bone marrow often contains many megakaryocytes. SYN: myelosclerosis, osteomyelofibrotic syndrome.

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my·e·lo·fi·bro·sis .mī-ə-lō-fī-'brō-səs n, pl -bro·ses -.sēz an anemic condition in which bone marrow becomes fibrotic and the liver and spleen usu. exhibit a development of blood-cell precursors

my·e·lo·fi·brot·ic -'brät-ik adj

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n.

a chronic but progressive disease characterized by fibrosis of the bone marrow, which leads to anaemia and the presence of immature red and white blood cells in the circulation. Other features include enlargement of the spleen and the presence of blood-forming (myeloid) tissue in abnormal sites, such as the spleen and liver (extramedullary haemopoiesis). Its cause is unknown.

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my·elo·fi·bro·sis (mi″ə-lo-fi-broґsis) replacement of the bone marrow by fibrous tissue, occurring in association with a myeloproliferative disorder such as agnogenic myeloid metaplasia or secondary to another unrelated condition. Called also myelosclerosis.