What abnormal cell findings are characteristic of acute myeloid leukemia (AML)?

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is characterized by the presence of immature myeloid cells in the bone marrow and peripheral blood. Auer rods are specific cytoplasmic inclusions found in the myeloblasts of patients with AML. Their presence is a key morphological feature that helps in the diagnosis of this type of leukemia. Auer rods are formed from abnormal granules and appear as rod-shaped structures within the cytoplasm of the myeloblasts.

This finding is significant because it indicates abnormal maturation of myeloid cells, which is a hallmark of AML. The presence of Auer rods is associated with certain subtypes of AML and can provide valuable information about the prognosis and the specific characteristics of the leukemia.

In contrast, target cells, smear cells, and Heinz bodies are associated with other hematological conditions. Target cells are often seen in conditions such as liver disease and thalassemia, smear cells are indicative of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and Heinz bodies are associated with oxidative damage to hemoglobin in cases such as G6PD deficiency. Therefore, the characteristic finding of Auer rods in AML makes this answer the most accurate representation of the abnormal cell findings associated with the disease.