Haematology Flashcards
What is lymphoma
Malignant proliferation of lymphocytes normally in the lymph nodes but also in the blood, spleen, liver and bone marrow
What are the 4 causes of lymphoma
- Primary immunodeficiency (Ataxia-teangiectasia, Wiscott-Aldrich syndrome)
- Secondary immunodeficiency (HIV, Transplant recipients)
- Infections (EBV, Helicobacter pylori, Human T-lymphocyte virus
- Autoimmune disorders
How is lymphoma diagnosed
Blood film and bone biopsy
Lymph node biopsy
Immunophenotyping
Cytogenetics (Karyotype, FISH, PCR)
How do you stage lymphoma
Blood tests
CT scan of chest, abdo/pelvis
Bone marrow biopsy
PET scan
Ann Arbor staging system
What are the two types of lymphoma
Hodgkins
Non-hodgkins lymphoma
What are the different types of Non-hodgkins lymphoma
Low grade = follicular lymphoma
High grade = Diffuse B cell lymphoma
Severe grade = Burkitt’s Lymphoma
What is Hodgkins lymphoma
Malignant transformation of normal B/T cells in the lymph nodes
Hodgkins lymphoma is most common in which age groups
20-29 years
>60 years
Hodgkins lymphoma is associated with what virus
EBV - impaired immunosurveillnance of infected cells
What are the lymphadenopathy symptoms of Hodgkins lymphoma
Painless, asymmetric lymph nodes that spread contiguously to adjacent lymph nodes
Cervical, inguinal and axillary lymph nodes
Alcohol makes more painful
Mediastinal lymphadenopathy causes cough, SVC obstruction and bronchial obstruction
What are the B cell associated symptoms of Hodgkins lymphoma
B cell symptoms
Fever
Night sweats
Wt loss
Other symptoms
Pruritis
Hepato/splenomegaly
Pel Ebstein Fever
What are the investigations for someone with suspected Hodgkins lymphoma
- Bloods (FBC, Film, ESR)
- lactate dehydrogenase will be elevated - Lymph node biopsy = REED-STEENBERG CELLS
3, Stage using CT/MRI chest, abdomen and pelvis
Describe the Ann Arbor system of staging lymphoma
Stage 1 = Single LN region
stage 2 = >2 nodal areas on same side of the diaphragm
Stage 3 = nodes spread on both sides of diaphragm
Stage 4 = Spread beyond nodes (Liver/bone marrow)
A = No constitutional B cell symptoms except itch
B = With constitutional B cell symptoms
What is the management for Hodgkins Lymphoma
Stage 1-2a = Short course chemo and radiotherapy
Stage 2a-4b = Cyclic chemo + radiotherapy
Bone marrow transplant for relapse
What chemotherapy drugs are used in Hodgkins lymphoma (remember ABVD)
Adriamycin
Bleomycin
Vinblastine
Decarbazine
What are the complications of Hodgkins lymphoma treatment
Infertility Anthracylcines = Cardiomyopathy Bleomycin = lung damage Vinca Alkaloids= Peripheral neuropathy Second cancers Psychological issues
Define non-hodgkins lymphoma
Any lymphoma that doesn’t involve reed-steenberg cells
What age group does non-hodgkins lymphoma normally present in
Adults >40 years
Name a low grade non Hodgkins lymphoma and describe its characteristics
Follicular lymphoma - slow growing - usually advanced at presentation - Incurable Median survival = 9-11 years
Name a high grade non Hodgkins lymphoma and describe its characteristics
Diffuse large B cell lymphoma
- Usually nodal presentation
- 1/3 cases have extra nodal involvement
- patient often unwell with short history
Name a severe grade Hodgkins lymphoma
Burkitts lymphoma
What are the lymphadenopathy symptoms of non-hodgkins lymphoma
Painless, symmetric lymphadenopathy at multiple sites that spreads discontinuously
What are the extra nodal symptoms of non-hodgkins lymphoma
Skin
CNS
Oropharynx and GIT
Splenomegaly
What are the B symptoms of non-hodgkins lymphoma
Fever
Night sweats
Wt loss
What investigations would be conducted in someone with suspected non-hodgkins lymphoma
FBC, U and E and LDH
Film
- Normal or circulating lymphoma cells
Pancytopenias with NO REED STEENBERG CELLS
Staging using CT/MRI chest, abdomen and pelvis and Ann Arbor classification
Describe the management of high grade non-hodgkins lymphoma
R-CHOP regime Rituximab (Monoclonal antibody) Cyclophosphamide Hydro-doxorubicin Vincristine Prednisolone
Bone marrow transplant for relapse
What does rituximab target
CD20 on B cells
What is the management for low grade non-hodgkins lymphoma
Watch and wait is asymptomatic if symptomatic = Chemotherapy Radiotherapy Alkylating agents Monoclonal antibodies Bone marrow transplant
What is T cell engaging therapy
Blinatumomab
- Bispecific antibody that targets CD19 n B cells and CD3 on T cells
Describe the pathophysiology of lymphoma associated with EBV
There is impaired immunosurveillance and infected B cells escape regulation and proliferate
What is myeloma
Malignant disease of bone marrow plasma cells leading to progressive bone marrow infiltration and failure
Describe the epidemeology of myeloma
Peak age = 60-70yrs
Afro-caribbean
What is the pathogenesis of myeloma
Clonal proliferation of plasma cells –> Monoclonal Ig production (usually IgG or IgA)
Clones produce light chains which are excreted in the kidney (Bence jones protein)
Clones produce IL-6 which inhibits osteoblasts and activates osteoclasts
What are the symptoms of myeloma (Remember CRAB)
- Calcium elevated (Increased osteoclast activity leading to hypercalcaemia)
- Renal impairment (Caused by light chain deposition and increased calcium
- Anaemia (Decreased bone marrow RBC production leading to normochromic normocytic anaemia)
- Bone lesions (Increased osteoclast activity leading to lytic lesions = bone pain esp back
Recurrent infections due to neutropenia and immunoparesis
Hypercalcaemia and bone pain = pepper pot skull
Bone marrow infiltration = anaemia, thrombocytopenia and neutropenia
Amyloidosis
What investigations would be conducted in someone with suspected myeloma
FBC = normocytic normochromic anaemia
Film = rouleaux formation, plasma cells and cytopenias
Increased ESR, increased calcium
Urinalysis and electrophoresis show Bence Jones protein
PLAIN X-RAY = LYTIC PUNCHED OUT LESIONS (PEPPER POT SKULL AND OESTEOPOROSIS)
What is the management of myeloma
- Supportive
- Bone pain (Analgesics but not NSAIDS
- Bisphosphates (Zolendronate to decrease fractures and bone pain)
- Transfusions for anaemia
- Hydration 3L/day for renal impairment
- Broad spectrum antibiotics for infections - Chemotherapy
(i) Cyclophosphamide, thalidomide, dexamethasone)
(ii) Vincristine, adriamycin, dexamethasone)
In order to make a diagnosis of myeloma there must be evidence of mono-clonality, what is mono-clonality
Abnormal proliferation of plasma cells leading to immunoglobulin secretion and causing organ dysfunction especially to the kidney
What disease often precedes myeloma
Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)
What is MGUS
A common disease with paraprotein present in the serum but no myeloma
In approx 2/3 people with myeloma, their urine might contain what?
Immunoglobulin light chains with kappa or lamda lineage
What would you expect to seen on the blood film of someone with myeloma
Rouleaux formation (Aggregation of RBCs)
What is the definition of leukaemia
Malignant proliferation of haemopoietic cells
What are the 4 types of leukaemia
- Acute myeloid leukaemia
- Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
- Chronic myeloid leukaemia
- Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
What are the risk factors for leukaemia
Congenital (Downs syndrome) Environmental - Radiotherapy -Chemotherapy - Benzene
What investigations would you do in someone with suspected leukaemia
Blood film Bone marrow biopsy Lymph node biopsy Immunotyping (Classifying tumour cells by antigen expression profile) Cytogenetics (Karyotyping, FISH, PCR)
What is the definition of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Acute malignant transformation of lymphoid progenitor cells
What age group is acute lymphoblastic leukaemia most common in
Most common cancer in children especially 2-5 years
What are the symptoms of ALL
Bone marrow failure leading to anaemia, thrombocytopenia and leukopenia
Infiltration of tissue (Lymphadenopathy, CNS involvement, hepatosplenomegaly, bone pain)
What investigations would be conducted in someone with suspected ALL
Increased WCC Decreased RBC + Platelets BM aspirate = 20% leukaemia blast cells Cytogenetics = philadelphia chromosome CT and CXR for lymph node involvement
What is the management of ALL
- Supportive (Blood products, antifungals, antibiotics)
- Chemotherapy (Vincristine, dexamethasone and intrathecal methotrexate)
- Bone marrow transplant best for younger patients
Define acute myeloid leukaemia
Acute malignant transformation of myeloid progenitor cells
What age range is AML most common in
Mean age 65-70
but also 10-15% of childhood leukaemia
What is the aetiology of AML
Neoplastic proliferate of myeloblasts
Preceding haematological disorder or prior chemotherapy
Exposure to ionising radiation
What are the signs and symptoms of AML
- Bone marrow failure
- anaemia
- infection (decreased WCC)
- DIC - Infiltration
- Gum infiltration
- Hepatosplenomegaly
- Skin involvement
- Bone pain
- Lymphadenopathy
- Orchidomegaly
What investigations for AML
Blood film = anaemia and thrombocytopenia but increased WCC
Bone marrow biopsy (>20% blast cells)
Auer rods are diagnostic of AML over ALL)
Lymph node biopsy
Immunophenotyping
Cytogenetics
BM aspirate = leukaemia blast cells
What is the management of AML
Supportive care as for ALL
Chemotherapy
Bone marrow transplant
Define chronic myeloid leukaemia
Chronic malignant transformation of myeloid cells (Basophils, eosinophils, neutrophils)
What age group is CML most common in
Middle aged 40-60 years
What is the cause of chronic myeloid leukaemia
Myeloproliferative disorder with clonal proliferation of myeloid cells
What are the symptoms of CML
wt loss, fever, night sweats
Massive hepatosplenomegaly
Bruising and bleeding
What is the key diagnostic feature of CML
Philadelphia chromosome
Reciprical translocation t(9,22) leading to formation of BCR-ABL fusion gene leading constitutive tyrosine kinase activity = increase cell growth
What investigations would you conduct in someone with suspected CML
Increased WBC
Decreased Hb and platelets
BM cryogenic analysis is Philadelphia +ve
What is the treatment of CML
Imatinib = tyrosine kinase inhibitor
Allogenic Stem cell transplant
Define chronic lymphocytic lymphoma
Chronic malignant transformation of mature lymphoid cells
What is the aetiology of CLL
Clone of mature B cells
Mutation of 11q or 17p
What are the features of CLL
Symmetrical painless lymphadenopathy
Hepatosplenomegaly
Anaemia, infection, bleeding, BM failure
Wt loss, fever, night sweats
What are the investigations in someone with CLL
Increased WCC
Anaemia
Immunophenotyping to distinguish it from NHL
What is the management of CLL
Supportive
chemotherapy (Cyclophosphamide, fludarabine, rituximab)
Radiotherapy
Define anaemia
Low Hb concentration due to a low red cell mass or increased plasma volume
How can you determine if bone marrow production of RBC’s is the issue in anaemia
Look at reticulocyte number (Immature RBC’s)
- If high then removal the issue
- If low then production the issue
What is the normal haemoglobin concentration for men and women
Male = 133-166g/L
Female = 110-147g/L
What are the physiological changes seen in anaemia
Reduced HB = reduced O2 transport = hypoxia = compensatory mechanisms such as increased tissue perfusion, increased O2 transfer to tissues and increased RBC production
What are the pathological changes seen in anaemia
Heart and liver fat change
Ischaemia
Skin and Nail atrophy
Aggravate angina
When might you see microcytic hypo chromic RBCs on blood film
Iron deficiency
When might you see polysegmented neutrophils with microcytic anaemia
B12 deficiency
What are the non-specific symptoms of anaemia
Fatigue Dyspnoea Headaches Faintness Anorexia Palpitations
What are the signs of anaemia
Conjunctival pallor
Hyperdynamic circulation
Palpitation
Tachycardia
What organs are responsible for the removal of RBC’s
- Spleen
- Liver
- Bone marrow
- Blood loss
How do we classify the different types of anaemia
By mean corpuscular volume which is the average volume of the RBC’s (Their size)
What are the normal ranges for MCV for males and females
Male = 81.8 - 96.3fl Females = 80.0- 98.1fl
What are the three different classifications of anaemia
Microcytic
Normocytic
Macrocytic
What are the causes of microcytic anaemia
Iron deficiency Chronic disease (BM/kidney problems) Thalassaemia Sideroblastic anaemia Lead poisoning
What are the causes of normocytic anaemia
Acute blood loss Chronic disease Combined haematinic deficiency (Iron and B12 deficiency) BM failure Renal failure Pregnancy Hypothyroidism
What are the causes of macrocytic anaemia
B12 deficiency Folate deficiency Anti-folate drugs (Methotrexate and Phenytoin) Excess alcohol or liver disease Hypothyroidism Cytotoxics (Hydroxycarbamide) Reticulocytosis
What is the normal daily intake of iron
15-20mg
What are the specific signs of iron deficiency anaemia
Koilonychia (spoon shaped nails)
Angular stomatitis (Mouth corners inflamed)
Atrophic glossitis
Plummer Vinson
Brittle Nails and Hair
Describe the pathophysiology of iron deficiency anaemia
Lack of iron means no haem production leading to smaller RBCs and microcytic anaemia
What are the causes of iron deficiency anaemia
Blood loss
- Menorrhagia
- Hookworm
- GI bleeding
Increased demand
- pregnancy
Decreased intake
- diet
Malabsorption
- Coeliac
- Crohns
What are the investigations for someone with suspected iron deficiency anaemia
Blood film = Microcytic hypochromic anaemia, low reticulocyte
Low ferritin Low Fe Low Hb Low MCV Increased TIBC Ansiocytosis, poikliocytosis, pencil cells Upper and lower GI endoscopy
How do you manage someone with iron deficiency anaemia
Oral iron = ferrous sulphate
What are the side effects of ferrous sulphate
Nausea Abdominal discomfort Diarrhoea Constipation Black stools
What is the pathophysiology of B12 deficiency
Lack of B12/intrinsic factor means B12 is not absorbed in the terminal ileum leading to big fragile RBC due to impairment of DNA synthesis
What are the causes of vitamin B12 deficiency
Decreased intake
- vegan
Decreased intrinsic factor
- Pernicious anaemia
- Post-gastrectomy
Terminal ileum
- Crohn’s
- Illeal resection
What are the specific signs of B12 deficiency
Glossitis Paraesthesia Optic Atrophy Peripheral neuropathy Symptoms of anaemia Lemon tinge due to pallor and mild jaundice Subacute Cord Degeneration
What are the investigations for someone with suspected B12 deficiency
Decreased WCC Intrinsic factor antibodies Parietal cell antibodies Coeliac Abs Schilling test
What is the management for someone with B12 deficiency
B12 replacement with hydroxocobalamin
What is pernicious anaemia
Autoimmune atrophic gastritis causes by auto antibodies against parietal cells or intrinsic factor
What are the causes of folate deficiency
Decreased intake
- Poor diet
Increased demand
- Pregnancy
- Malignancy
Malabsorption
- Coeliac
- Crohn’s
Drugs
- EtOH
- phenytoin
- Methotrexate
What are haemoglobinopathies
Disorders of quality = abnormal molecule or variant haemoglobin ie. sickle cell disease
Disorders of quantity = reduced production ie. alpha or beta thalasaaemia
What is the structures of normal haemoglobin
2 alpha and 2 beta subunits
What is the structure of foetal haemoglobin
2 alpha and 2 gamme subunits