THE VALUE OF STERNAL MARROW ASPIRATION AS A METHOD OF BONE MARROW BIOPSY

Abstract

Studies of the aspirated sternal marrow were made in 135 patients. The patients in whom definite information helpful to diagnosis was obtained numbered 80. These included chiefly aplastic anemia, pernicious anemia, hemolytic anemia, sub-leukemic leukemias, polycythemia vera, multiple myelomata, carcinoma with metastases to bone marrow. A table showing the myeloid erythroid ratio was interesting but did not contribute much information. This method of diagnosis does not exclude combination with the trephine operation in suitable cases and is not a short cut to diagnosis.