Hematology Flashcards
Define Erythrocyte
carries oxygen from lungs to peripheral tissues
Define Reticulocyte
immature erythrocyte
Define Neutrophil
granulocyte integral in innate immunity; main cell in acute inflammation
Define Eosinophil
involved in response to parasites (especially helminths) and allergic response
Define Basophil
granulocyte mainly involved in allergy and parasitic infection
Define Lymphocyte
integral cell in adaptive immunity
Define Monocyte
involved in innate immunity; can differentiate into macrophage or dendritic cell
Define Platelet
Mediator of primary hemostasis
Define Plasma
Liquid component of blood containing water, proteins, coagulation factors and immunoglobulins
Define Serum
Equivalent of plasma minus clotting factors and fibrinogen
What three precursor cells come off of the Hematopoietic Stem cell?
- Megakaryocyte/erythrocyte precursor 2. Myeloid precursor 3. Lymphoid precursor
Describe the process from the megakaryocyte precursor to a platelet
megakaryocyte precursor > megakaryoblast > megakaryocyte > platelet
Describe the process from an erythrocyte precursor to an erythrocyte
erythrocyte precursor > pro erythroblast > polychromatic erythroblast > erythrocyte
Describe process from myeloid precursor to macrophage
myeloid precursor >monoblast > monocyte > macrophage
Describe process from myeloid precursor to granulocytes (basophil, eosinophil, neutrophil)
myeloid precursor > myeloblast > progranulocyte > basophil, eosinophil, neutrophil
Describe process form lymphoid precursor to T cell/B cell
Lymphoid precursor > lymphoblast > T cell/ B cell
what are three sites of hematopoiesis in adults
pelvis, sternum, vertebral body
what is the life span of mature cells in blood: 1. erythrocytes 2. neutrophils 3. platelets 4. lymphocytes
- erythrocytes (120d) 2. neutrophils (1 d) 3. platelets (10 d) 4. lymphocytes (varies; memory cells for years)
What is the role of the spleen
Spleen; part of reticuloendothelial system; removes aged RBCs, removes antibody coated bacteria/cells, site of antibody production
What is the role of the thymus?
Thymus; site of T cell maturation, involutes with age
What is the role of lymph nodes?
sites of B and T cell activation (adaptive immunite response)
What is RBC Count
RBC; # of RBCs per volume of blood
What is Hgb
Hgb; amount of oxygen carrying protein in blood
What is hematocrit (Hct)
Hct; % of a given volume of whole blood occupied by PRBCs
What is Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)
MCV; measurement of size of RBCs
What is Mean Corpuscular Hgb (MCH)
MCH; amount of oxygen carrying Hgb inside RBCs
What is Mean Corpuscular Hgb Concentration (MCHC)
MCHC; avg concentration of hub inside RBCs
What is RDW (RBC Distribution Width)
RDW; Measurement of variance in RBC size
What is WBC Count
WBC; # of WBCs per volume of blood
What is a WBC Differential
WBC Differenital; include neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes and monocytes
What is a platelet count
of platelets per volume of blood
What is Mean Platelet Volume (MPV)
MPV; measurement of platelet size
What are reticulocytes
Retic Count; Immature RBCs that contain no nucleus but have residual RNA
What to consider if all of CBC is low?
pancytopenia
What do you consider if RBCs and platelets are low?
microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA)
What measure define size of RBC? 1. Microcytic 2. Normocytic 2. Macrocytic
- Microcytic (MCV 100)
What is anisocytosis?
RBCs with increased variability in size (increased RDW)
What are 4 causes anisocytosis? (RBCs with increased variability in size (RDW))
- Iron deficiency anemia 2. Hemolytic anemia 3. Myelofibrosis 4. Blood Transfusion
What is a hypo chromic RBC?
increase in size of central pallor (normal =
What are 3 causes of hypo chromic RBC’s?
- Iron deficiency anemia 2. Anemia of Chronic Disease 3. Sideroblastic Anemia
What is polychromasia?
Increase reticulocytes (pinkish-blue cells)
What causes polychromasia?
increased RBC production by bone marrow
What is Poikilocytosis?
increased proportion of RBCs of abnormal shape
What are two causes of Poikilocytosis?
- Iron deficiency anemia 2. Myelofibrosis
Discocyte; definition and associated conditions
Define; Biconcave disc Normal RBC
Spherocyte; definition and associated conditions
Spherical RBC (due to loss of membrane) Hereditary spherocytosis, Immune hemolytic anemia
Elliptocyte/Ovalcytes; definition and associated conditions
Oval shaped, elongated RBCSs * Elliptocytes; the RBC long axis is > 2x the lengths of the short axis * Ovalcytes; the RBC long axis is
Schistocytes;definition and associated conditions
Fragmented cells (r/t traumatic disruption of the membrane) Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (HUS/TTP, DIC, Preeclampsia, HELLP, malignant HTN), vasculitis, glomerulonephritis, prosthetic heart valve
Sickle Cells;definition and associated conditions
Sickle shaped RBC (due to polymerization of hemoglobin S) Sickle cell disorders; HbSC, HbSS
Codocyte (target cell); definition and associated conditions
“bulls eye” on dried film Liver disease, hemoglobin SC, thalassemia, Fe Deficiency, asplenia
Dacrocyte (teardrop cell); definition and associated conditions
Single pointed end, looks like a teardrop myelofibrosis, thalassemia major, megaloblastic anemia
Acanthocyte (spur cell); definition and associated conditions
Distorted RBC with irregularly distributed thorn-like projections (due to abnormal membrane lipids) Severe liver disease (spur cell anemia), starvation/ anorexia, post splenectomy
Echinocyte (burr cell);definition and associated conditions
RBC with numerous regularly spaced, spiny projections Uremia, HUS, burns, cardiopulmonary bypass, post transfusion, storage artifact
Rouleaux formation; definition and associated conditions
Aggregates of RBC resembling stacks of coins due to increased plasma concentration of high molecular weight proteins Pregnancy; most common cause; due to physiological increase in fibrinogen inflammatory conditions; due to polyclonal immunoglobulins Plasma cell dyscrasias; due to monoclonal paraproteinemia (e.g. multiple myeloma, macroglobinemia, storage artifact)
RBC Inclusions definition and associated conditions; Nucleus
Present in erthyroblasts (immature RBCs) Hyperplastic erythropoiesis (seen in hypoxia, hemolytic anemia), BM infiltration disorders, Myeloproliferativve neoplasm (myelofibrosis)
RBC Inclusions definition and associated conditions; Heinz Bodies
Denatured and precipitated hemoglobin G6PD deficiency (post exposure to oxidant), thalassemia, unstable hemoglobins
RBC Inclusions definition and associated conditions; Howell-Jolly Bodies
Small nuclear remnant resembling a pyknotic nucleus Post splenectomy, hyposplenism (sickle cell disease), neonates, megaloblastic anemia
RBC Inclusions definition and associated conditions; Basophillic Stippling
Deep blue granulations indicating ribosome aggregation Thalassemia, heavy metal (Pb, Zn, Ag, Hg) poisoning, megaloblastic anemia, hereditary (pyrimidine 5’ nucleotidase deficiency)
RBC Inclusions definition and associated conditions; Sideroblasts
Erythrocytes with Fe containing granules in the cytoplasm Hereditary, idiopathic, drugs, hypothyroidism
Lymphocytes comprise _____% of WBCs
30 - 40
Reed Sternberg Cell; definition and associated conditions
giant multinucleate B lymphocyte Hodgkin lymphoma, other lymphoproliferative disorders
Smudge Cell; definition and associated conditions
Lymphocytes damaged during blood smear preparation indicating cell fragility chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and other lymphoproliferative disorders
What kind of neutrophils are found in the blood?
Normally; - only mature neutrophils (2 - 4 lobed nucleus) and bands (immediate precursor with horsehoe shaped nucleus)
What are hyper segmented neutrophils?
>5 lobes suggests megaloblastic process (b12 or folate deficiency)
What is a left shift
increase in granulocyte precursors (bands, metamyelocytes, myelocytes, promyelocytes and blasts) in circulation
When is a left shift seen?
in leukemoid reactions; - acute infections, pregnancy, hypoxia, shock, chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML)
What are blasts and when are they seen?
immature, undifferentiated precursors associated with acute leukaemia, MDS, severe infection
Auer Rods; definition and associated conditions
clumps of granular material that form long needles in the cytoplasm of myeloblasts pathognomonic for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)
What do platelets look like?
small purple a nuclear cell fragments
What are the 2 sites for bone marrow aspiration and biopsy
Posterior iliac crest sternum
What is the difference between bone marrow aspiration and biopsy
Aspiration; takes fluid marrow sample for histology, flow cytometry, cytogenetics, molecular studies, microbiology (C&S, AFB) Biopsy; takes a sample of intact bone marrow to assess histology
What are 8 indications of Bone marrow aspiration or biopsy
- unexplained CBC abnormalities 2. dx and evaluation of plasma cell disorders and leukemias 3.diagnosis and staging of lymphoma or solid tumours 4. evaluate iron metabolism and stores 5. evaluate suspected deposition and storage disease (amyloidosis, Gaucher’s disease) 6. Evaluate fever of undetermined origin, suspected mycobacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections or granulomatous disease 7. unexplained splenomegaly 8. confirm normal bone marrow in potential allogenic hematopoietic cell donor
What are the absolute contraindications for bone marrow aspiration or biopsy
untreated haemophilia, severe DIC, infection over skin site, DIC with uncontrolled bleeding
Is thrombocytopenia a contraindication of bone marrow biopsy or aspirate
No but may need platelet transfusion prior to procedure
What is anemia?
a decrease in RBC mass that can be detected by hgb concentration, hct and RBC count
What defines low MCV
MCV
What are causes of Low MCV?
iron deficiency, thalassemia, anemia of chronic disease, sideroblastic anemia, lead poisoning
How is normal MCV measured?
MCV = 80 - 100
How do you classify normal MCV?
high retic and low retic
what percent of retics is considered high?
>2 - 3%
What are some causes of high retic counts
increased destruction (divided into hemolysis and bleeding)
What percent of retics is considered low?
What is the cause of low retics?
decreased production (divided into pancytopenia and non pancytopenia)
What are 7 causes of pancytopenia (low retic, normal MCV)
- aplastic anemia 2. MDS 3. Myelofibrosis 4. Leukemia, 5. TB 6. Amyloidosis/sarcoidosis 7. Drugs (chemo)
What are two causes of non pancytopenia (low retic, N MCV)
- Anemia of chronic disease 2. Renal/liver diseae
What are two categories is hemolysis divided into? (high retic, N MCV)
- inherited 2. acquired
What are the three causes of Inherited Hemolysis (high retic, N MCV)
- hemoglobinopathy (sickle cell disease, thalassemia, unstable hb) 2. Membrane (spherocytic) 3. Metabolic (HMP shunt, glycolytic pathway)
What are the 4 causes of Acquired Hemolysis? (high retic, N MCV)
- Immune (+coombs, drug related cold agglutinin) 2. Infection (malaria) 3. Microangiopathic hemolytic anemias (DIC, TTP, HUS, HELLP) 4. Oxidative/ drug related
What defines a high MCV and what are the two categories associated with high MCV?
MCV >100 Megaloblastic/ Non-megaloblastic
What are three causes of megaloblastic anemia (high MCV)
- B12 deficiency 2. Folate deficiency 3. Drugs that impair DNA synthesis (methotrexate, sulfa, chemo)
What are the 5 causes of non megaloblastic anemia?
- Liver disease 2. Alcoholism 3. Reticulocytosis (see high retic) 4. Hypothyroidism 5. Myelodysplasia
What are 10 sx of anemia?
fatigue, malaise, weakness, dyspnea, decreased exercise tolerance, palpitations, headache, dizziness, tinnitus, syncope
What are things you need to inquire about in Hx of anemia?
- menstrual hx (metorrhagia, menometrorrhagia, dysfunctional uterine bleeding) 2. r/o pancytopenia (recurrent infection, mucosal bleeding/easy bruising) 3. acute vs chronic, bleeding, systemic illness, diet, alcohol, family hx
What are HEENT physical signs of anemia?
- pallor in mucous membranes and conjunctiva at hgb
What are Cardiac physical signs of anemia?
tachycardia, orthostatic hypotension, systolic flow murmur, wide pulse pressure, signs of CHF
What are dermatologic physical signs of anemia?
pallor in palmar skin creases at hub
What 5 investigations should you do for anemia?
- rule out dilution anemia 2. CBC with differential 3. retic count 4. blood film 5. r/o gastro disease in Fe defiency anemia
Define Polycythemia
an increase in the number of RBCs 1. Hgb >185 or Hct >52% (males) 2. Hgb >165 or Hct >47% (females/ African Males)
What are the two umbrella aetiologies for polycythemia?
Relative/ spurious erythrocytosis (decreased plasma volume) Absolute Erythrocytosis
What are the causes of relative erythrocytosis (Decreased plasma volume)?
diuretics severe dehydration burns “stress” (Gaisbock’s Syndrome)
What are the three umbrella causes of absolute erythrocytosis?
- Primary (low or normal erythropoietin) 2. Secondary (elevated erythropoietin) 3. Inappropriate production of erythropoietin
What is the cause of primary absolute erythrocytosis?
polycythemia vera (PV)
What are the 6 causes of secondary (elevated erythropoietin) absolute erythrocytosis?
- poor tissue oxygenatoin/hypoxia 2. pulmonary disease; COPD, sleep apnea, pulmonary HTN 3. CV Disease; R–>L Shunt (eisenmenger syndrome) 4. RBC Defects (Hgb with increased O2 affinity, methemoglobinemia) 5. CO poisoning (heavy smoking) 6. HIgh altitude
What are the 6 causes of inappropriate production of erythropoietin?
- Renal cell Ca 2. Cerebellar hemangioblastoma 3. hepatocellular ca 4. uterine leiomyomas 5. ovarian tumour 6. other (PKD, post kidney transplant, hydronephrosis, androgens, exogenous erythropoietin)
What are the clinical features secondary to high red cell mass/ hyper viscosity of polycythemia?
headache, dizziness, tinnitus, visual disturbances symptoms of angina, CHF
Is thrombosis, bleeding or both associated with polycythemia?
both - thrombosis (venous/arterial) - bleeding (abnormal platelet function)
What are the physical findings of polycythemia?
splenomegaly +/- hepatomegaly, facial plethora (ruddy complexion (70%) and/or palms, gout
What investigation is important to do for polycythemia?
Serum erythropoietin (EPO); increased EPO suggests autonomous production or hypoxia, and is used to r/o PV
What is a cause you have to r/o for polycythemia when there is increased epo
search for tumour as source of epo (abdo US/CT head)
What test for polycythemia vera needs to be done when low/normal EPO?
Jak-2 mutation analysis (positive in >96% of cases of PV)