What pathology is characterized by presence of Auer rods and notched cells?

The presence of Auer rods and notched cells is specifically associated with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Auer rods are needle-like cytoplasmic inclusions found in myeloblasts and are considered a hallmark of myeloid lineage differentiation. Their presence indicates the myeloid nature of the leukemic cells, which is important for diagnosis and subclassification of leukemia.

Notched cells, although more typically discussed in the context of certain lymphoproliferative disorders, can occur in AML as well, particularly in specific subtypes. However, the defining pathology of acute myeloid leukemia is indeed the identification of Auer rods among those leukemic cells.

In contrast, the other leukemias listed do not typically feature Auer rods. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) primarily affects lymphoblasts and is characterized by a different set of cytological findings. Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) generally presents in a different spectrum characterized by the Philadelphia chromosome and myeloid hyperplasia but lacks Auer rods in the chronic phase. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is distinguished by small, mature appearing lymphocytes and does not involve Auer rods or myeloid differentiation. Thus, the presence of Auer