Leukemia Flashcards
What distinguishes acute leukemia from chronic leukemia?
Speed of onset and predominate cells
Acute leukemia has a sudden onset with blast cells predominating, while chronic leukemia has an insidious onset with mature cells.
What are the two classification systems for acute leukemias?
FAB (French and British) and WHO (World Health Organization)
FAB classification is based on morphology and cytochemistry, while WHO includes genetic information.
What is the purpose of cytochemical staining in leukemia diagnosis?
To aid in the diagnosis of leukemia when immunophenotyping is not available
It helps identify specific cell types and abnormalities.
What is the normal range for Leukocyte Alkaline Phosphatase (LAP) scores?
30-185
Higher scores suggest a reactive cause, while lower scores favor chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
What is the role of flow cytometry in hematology?
To analyze specific antigens on cells using fluorescent dyes
It allows for the identification and classification of different cell types.
What percentage of white blood cells (WBC) must be myeloblasts in both bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood (PB) to diagnose AML?
> 20%
Which genetic condition increases the risk of developing AML before age 5?
Down syndrome
What syndrome is associated with kidney damage due to elevated potassium, phosphate, and uric acid levels in AML?
Tumor Lysis Syndrome
What is the FAB classification for undifferentiated myelogenous leukemia?
M0
What common exposure is a risk factor for developing AML?
Toxic exposure, especially radiation
What type of leukemia is characterized as an aggressive subgroup of AML?
Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL) - M3
What chromosomal translocation is associated with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia?
t(15;17)
What are the laboratory findings in a CBC for Acute Myelomonocytic Leukemia (AMML)?
- Anemia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Variable WBC
- Absolute monocytes >5 X10^9/L
True or False: Auer rods may be seen in the peripheral blood film of AML.
True
Fill in the blank: Lack of the _______ gene leads to uncontrolled proliferation in AML.
suppressor
What types of cells are primarily involved in Acute Erythroid Leukemia?
Myeloblasts and erythroblasts
What is a common feature seen in the bone marrow of Acute Erythroid Leukemia patients?
> 80% erythroid precursors with >30% Pronormoblast
What may the PPB iron stain show in Acute Erythroid Leukemia?
Ringed sideroblasts
What is Acute Megakaryoblastic Leukemia also known as?
AMKL (M7)
Very rare, comprising less than 5% of AMLs.
What age group is most commonly affected by Acute Megakaryoblastic Leukemia?
Infants or young children
What is the Philadelphia chromosome associated with?
Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)
Found in 90-95% of CML cases.
What does the BCR-ABL1 gene cause in CML?
Excessive proliferation and decreased apoptosis
What are the three phases of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia progression?
- Chronic phase
- Accelerated phase
- Acute (Blastic) phase
What is a common laboratory finding in Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia?
Moderate to marked elevated WBC with left shift
