Detection of del(16q) using the CBFB-MYH11 translocation dual fusion probe

Del(16q) is an uncommon cytogenetic abnormality that can occur in different types of myeloid neoplasms. A small number of cases with del(16q) have been reported. Here, we report del (16q) in an adult patient with acute myelomonocytic leukemia (AMML). Examination of bone marrow aspirate smears and cytochemical stains, and flow cytometric immunophenotyping diagnosed the case as AMML. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for inv(16) was performed using the CBFB-MYH11 translocation dual fusion probe. Accidently, FISH analysis revealed a loss of 16q22 in most of the examined interphase cells, indicating the presence of del(16q). The CBFB-MYH11 translocation dual fusion probe can be very helpful in detecting del(16q).