What abnormality is associated with myelodysplastic syndrome?

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis, leading to various blood cell abnormalities. One notable finding associated with this condition is the presence of teardrop cells, which are abnormally shaped red blood cells that resemble teardrops. These cells arise due to the displacement of the red cell precursors within the bone marrow and often indicate underlying pathology related to the marrow microenvironment.

Teardrop cells are significant in MDS as they suggest an abnormality in the production and maturation of red blood cells, which is a hallmark of the syndrome. Their presence can help healthcare providers in the diagnosis and assessment of the bone marrow's functional status.

In regard to the other options: Auer rods are typically seen in acute myeloid leukemia and indicate myeloid lineage with abnormal myeloblasts. Target cells are often associated with conditions like liver disease or hemoglobinopathies rather than MDS. Smear cells, or "smudge cells," are commonly found in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and indicate fragile lymphocytes but are not characteristic of MDS.

Thus, teardrop cells are the correct choice, as they are directly associated with the dysplastic changes seen in myelodys