path haematology - formatted Flashcards
- 92.APRIL02 Concerning Hodgkin’s disease, which of the following statements IS INCORRECT?
- Nodular sclerosing sub-type has an excellent prognosis
- Lymphocyte depleion sub-type has a poor prognosis
- Long term survivors of chemotherapy and radiotherapy are of increased risk of developing lung cancer
- Pulmonary involvement occurs by extension of disease from hilar nodes to peri-bronchovascular interstitial tissue
- Involvement of mesenteric nodes and Waldeyer’s ring is common
- Involvement of mesenteric nodes and Waldeyer’s ring is common (uncommon)
- 92.APRIL02 Concerning Hodgkin’s disease, which of the following statements IS INCORRECT? (–)
- Nodular sclerosing sub-type has an excellent prognosis (Most common form (65 – 75% cases) and has excellent prognosis).
- SCS: the above is true, but note lymphocyte predominant has BEST prognosis - Lymphocyte depletion sub-type has a poor prognosis (True but controversial entity)
- Long term survivors of chemotherapy and radiotherapy are of increased risk of developing lung cancer ( Myelodysplastic syndromes, AML, lung, stomach, melanoma, breast (esp young women treated with radiotherapy to chest), NHL)
- Pulmonary involvement occurs by extension of disease from hilar nodes to peri-bronchovascular interstitial tissue (pulmonary involvement usually extends from hilum in untreated Hodgkins)
- Involvement of mesenteric nodes and Waldeyer’s ring is common (uncommon)
- 93.APRIL02 Which of the following statements concerning Langerhan’s Histiocytosis is correct?
- The term encompasses the older designations Hand-Schuller-Christian disease and Eosinophilic Granuloma. Letterer-Siwe now considered a separate condition.
- In those under two years of age, bony lesions dominate the disease
- The bones most commonly involved include the pelvis, scapula and clavicles
- The diagnosis cannot be made without histology confirming Birbeck granules
- It is associated with recurrent ear and respiratory infections
- It is associated with recurrent ear and respiratory infections – T - Multifocal Langerhans cell histiocytosis usually affects children, who present with fever; diffuse eruptions, particularly on the scalp and in the ear canals; and frequent bouts of otitis media, mastoiditis, and upper respiratory tract infections.
- 93.APRIL02 Which of the following statements concerning Langerhan’s Histiocytosis is correct? (–)
- The term encompasses the older designations Hand-Schuller-Christian disease and Eosinophilic Granuloma. Letterer-Siwe now considered a separate condition – F - In the past, these disorders were referred to as histiocytosis X and subdivided into three categories: Letterer-Siwe disease, Hand-Schuller-Christian disease, and eosinophilic granuloma. These three conditions are now believed to represent different expressions of the same basic disorder
- In those under two years of age, bony lesions dominate the disease – F - The dominant clinical feature is the development of cutaneous lesions that resemble a seborrheic eruption secondary to infiltrations of Langerhans histiocytes over the front and back of the trunk and on the scalp.
- The bones most commonly involved include the pelvis, scapula and clavicles – F - Virtually any bone in the skeletal system may be involved, most commonly the calvaria, ribs, and femur
- The diagnosis cannot be made without histology confirming Birbeck granules – F - Because Birbeck granules are not seen in all tumor cells by electron microscopy, the detection of CD1a expression by immunohistochemical techniques aids in the diagnosis
- It is associated with recurrent ear and respiratory infections – T - Multifocal Langerhans cell histiocytosis usually affects children, who present with fever; diffuse eruptions, particularly on the scalp and in the ear canals; and frequent bouts of otitis media, mastoiditis, and upper respiratory tract infections.
• Acute disseminated Langerhans cell histiocytosis ( Letterer-Siwe disease) occurs most frequently before 2 years of age but occasionally may affect adults.
• Most of those affected have concurrent hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, pulmonary lesions, and eventually destructive osteolytic bone lesions.
- 94.APRIL02 You are following up a patient whose skull x-ray you reported as suspicious of myeloma. The hospital pathology computer shows that the serum electrophoretic analysis and urinary Bence Jones protein assessment are normal. Which of the following statements is most correct?
- These finding excludes multiple myeloma
- Approximately 1 in 100 cases of multiple myeloma would fit this pattern.
- Approximately 20% of cases of multiple myeloma would fit this pattern.
- Bence Jones protein assessment should have done on serum; in approximately 70% of patients the electrophoretic pattern alone is normal.
- These tests are not relevant to the diagnosis of multiple myeloma
- Approximately 1 in 100 cases of multiple myeloma would fit this pattern – T - probably most true. Nonsecretory MM in ~3%. (GC: 1%, Robbins)
- 94.APRIL02 You are following up a patient whose skull x-ray you reported as suspicious of myeloma. The hospital pathology computer shows that the serum electrophoretic analysis and urinary Bence Jones protein assessment are normal. Which of the following statements is most correct? (TW) (–)
- These finding excludes multiple myeloma – F - the absence of paraproteinemia and paraproteinuria does not exclude myeloma
- Approximately 1 in 100 cases of multiple myeloma would fit this pattern – T - probably most true. Nonsecretory MM in ~3%. (GC: 1%, Robbins)
- Approximately 20% of cases of multiple myeloma would fit this pattern – F - nonsecretory MM 3%.
- Bence Jones protein assessment should have been done on serum; in approximately 70% of patients the electrophoretic pattern alone is normal – F - in 16% of patients with MM, only a Bence Jones protein (light chain) was produced, often too low to be detected by routine immunofixation techniques. These tend to be concentrated in urine.
- These tests are not relevant to the diagnosis of multiple myeloma – F - the most important diagnostic finding in MM is the demonstration of a monoclonal protein, which is present in the serum and/or urine in 97% of patients.
Multiple myeloma is characterized by the neoplastic proliferation of a single clone of plasma cells producing a monoclonal immunoglobulin.
Approximately 3% of patients with MM have no M-protein in the serum or urine on immunofixation at the time of Dx and are considered to have nonsecretory myeloma. The condition remains nonsecretory in most patients (76%).
• The monoclonal Ig produces a high spike when serum or urine is subjected to electrophoresis.
• Immunoelectrophoresis or immunofixation is used to identify the nature of monoclonal Ig
• Quantitative analyses of monoclonal Ig usually reveal more than 3 gm of Ig per dl of serum and more than 6 mg of Bence Jones proteins per dl of urine.
• The most common serum monoclonal Ig (M protein) is IgG, which is found in 55% of patients.
• An additional 25% of cases are associated with an IgA M protein.
• Myelomas expressing IgM, IgD, or IgE occur but are rare.
• Excessive production and aggregation of M proteins leads to the hyperviscosity syndrome (described under lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma) in approximately 7% of patients, most of whom have tumors that secrete IgA or IgG3 .
• Bence Jones proteinuria and a serum M protein are both observed in 60 to 70% of all myeloma patients.
• In approximately 20% of patients, however, Bence Jones proteinuria is present as a isolated finding.
• It should also be noted that about 1% of myelomas are nonsecretory and thus occur in the absence of detectable serum or urine M proteins.
o Hence, the absence of paraproteinemia and paraproteinuria does not exclude myeloma
- 95.APRIL02 A 48 year old man is referred for a CT scan from his gastroenterologist for a gastric marginal zone lymphoma / MALToma. Which of the following statements concerning marginal zone lymphomas IS LEAST correct?
- They are a form of B cell lymphoma
- They are most common in middle aged adults
- Early dissemination is typical
- They are associated with Helicobacter gastritis
- They are associated with chronic inflammation secondary to autoimmune disorders
- Early dissemination is typical (tend to remain localized for long period)
- 95.APRIL02 A 48 year old man is referred for a CT scan from his gastroenterologist for a gastric marginal zone lymphoma / MALToma. Which of the following statements concerning marginal zone lymphomas IS LEAST correct? (TW) (–)
- They are a form of B cell lymphoma – T – NHL subtype of marginal zone lymphoma includes 3 distinct diseases (appear to arise from post-germinal center marginal zone B cells): Splenic MZ B-cell lymphoma; Extranodal MZ B-cell lymphoma of mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma); and Nodal MZ b-cell lymphoma.
- They are most common in middle aged adults - T
- Early dissemination is typical (tend to remain localized for long period)
- They are associated with Helicobacter gastritis – T – related to chronic immune stimulation. H. pylori infection / chronic gastritis association and the development of gastric MALT is the prototypical example.
- They are associated with chronic inflammation secondary to autoimmune disorders – T – see ans d.
Arise within tissues affected by chronic inflammation
• salivary gland in Sjögren disease
• thyroid in Hashimoto thyroiditis
• stomach in H pylori gastritis
- 96.APRIL02 Which of the following statements concerning small lymphocytic lymphoma IS LEAST correct?
- It differs from chronic lymphocytic leukaemia only in the extent of peripheral lymphocytosis
- The patients are frequently asymptomatic
- Generalised Ivmphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly are seen in over half the patients
- Approximately 10-20% of cases transform to a more aggressive lyphmoid neoplasm
- Prognosis is poor with a 10% 5 year survival
Answer: Prognosis is poor, with a 10% 5-year survival (least correct)
ROBBINS
- Small lymphocytic lymphoma and CLL differ only in the degree of peripheral blood lymphocytosis.
- CLL is the most common leukemia of adults in the western world.
- Chromosomal translocations are rare in CLL/SLL.
- Patients are often asymptomatic at diagnosis.
- symptoms generally non-specific B type symptoms.
- 50-60% of symptomatic patients have generalized lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly.
- 10-15% of patients develop hemolytic anemia or thrombocytopenia
- Median survival is 4-6 years. Can be >10 years in minimal disease burden cases.
- Richter Syndrome is malignant transformation to DLBCL, seen in 5-10% of patients.
- large-cell transformation is bad, <1 year survival.
- 97.APRIL02 Which of the following statements concerning follicular lymphoma IS LEAST correct?
- It is a B cell lymphoma
- While rare in Asia, it is the most common form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in the United States
- Transformation to a more aggressive lymphoma occurs in 30 to 50% cases
- Untreated prognosis is poor (10% 5 year survival) but improves to 60-70 % with aggressive chemotherapy/ bone marrow transplant
- Involvement of extra-nodal sites is uncommon.
- Untreated prognosis is poor (10% 5 year survival) but improves to 60-70 % with aggressive chemotherapy/ bone marrow transplant – F - Although follicular lymphoma is incurable, it often follows an indolent waxing and waning course. The overall median survival is 7 to 9 years and is not improved by aggressive therapy; hence, the usual clinical approach is to palliate patients with low-dose chemotherapy or radiation when they become symptomatic.
- 97.APRIL02 Which of the following statements concerning follicular lymphoma IS LEAST correct? (–) (TW)
- It is a B cell lymphoma – T – defined a lymphoma of follicle center B-cells, which has at least a partially follicular pattern.
- While rare in Asia, it is the most common form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in the United States – T (at the time) – FL is the most common of the indolent NHLs. (UTD) Second most common lymphoma in the US and western Europe (grade I subtype is the most common). FL is less common in Asians and blacks.
- Transformation to a more aggressive lymphoma occurs in 30 to 50% cases – T - Transformation occurs to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in 30 – 50%, rarely to aggressive form of lymphoblastic lymphoma or leukaemia
- Untreated prognosis is poor (10% 5 year survival) but improves to 60-70 % with aggressive chemotherapy/ bone marrow transplant – F - Although follicular lymphoma is incurable, it often follows an indolent waxing and waning course. The overall median survival is 7 to 9 years and is not improved by aggressive therapy; hence, the usual clinical approach is to palliate patients with low-dose chemotherapy or radiation when they become symptomatic.
- Involvement of extra-nodal sites is uncommon – T - Extranodal site involvement (i.e. GIT, CNS, testis) uncommon
• Follicular lymphoma is the most common form of NHL in the United States, comprising about 45% of adult lymphomas.
• It usually presents in middle age and afflicts men and women equally.
• It is less common in Europe and rare in Asian populations
- 99.APRIL02 A 24-year-old woman with Stage II lymphocyte predominate Hodgkin’s lymphoma has been neutropaenic for 2 weeks in intensive care. Since her pre-treatment CT scan 3 months earlier her liver and spleen have increased in size and show new lesions up to 2 cm in size. Despite multiple antibiotics-she continues to decline and CT shows a new left MCA infarct. This is most compatible with;
- Systemic candidiasis
- Bacterial endocarditis with systemic emboli /infarction
- Drug resistant lymphocyte predominate Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Transformation to a more aggressive lymphoma
- Non-bacteria thrombotic endocarditis with systemic emboli / infarction
Answer: Transformation to a more aggressive Lymphoma
ROBBINS
Lymphocyte predominance Type HL
- non-classical, 5% of cases
- 3-5% of cases transform into a tumor resembling DLBCL
- EBV not associated with this subtype.
DLBCL
- aggressive tumors that are rapidly fatal without treatment.
- enlarging mass at a nodal or extranodal site
- Primary or secondary involvement of the liver and spleen may take the form of large destructive masses.
- extranodal sites include GIT, skin, bone, brain and other tissues.
- Sep03.11 Hodgkin’s disease, IIB. Which is the most correct answer?
- unexplained fever, night sweats or unexplained weight loss >10%
- liver involvement
*LW:
Option 1: unexplained fever, night sweats or unexplained weight loss >10%, which is referring to (B) designation.
Liver involvement is stage IV disease.
All stages are further divided into
(A) Absence of B type symptoms, or
(B) Presence of B type symptoms of fever, night sweats, weight loss.
I: involvement of single lymph node region (I), or involvement of single extralymphatic organ (IE)
II: Involvement of two or more lymph node regions on the same side of the diaphragm alone (II) or with involvement of limited contiguous extralymphatic organ or tissue (IIE )
III: Involvement of lymph node regions on both sides of diaphragm (III) which may include spleen (IIIS), limited contiguous extralymphatic organ or site (IIIE), or both (IIIES)
IV: Multiple or disseminated foci of involvement of one or more extra lymphatic organs or tissues with or without lymphatic involvement.
- 40.APRIL02 A 32 year-old woman in the third trimeter of her first pregnancy develops HELLP syndrome. This is
- Hemolysis elevated liver enzymes and low platelets
- Hepatic eosinophilia with low level of prothrombin
- Haemolytic eosinophilic liver necrosis with low platelets
- Hemorrhagic encephalopathy/Ieukomaiacia with low platelets
- Hemorrhagic encephalopathy and leukocyte lysis with platelet autolysis
- Hemolysis elevated liver enzymes and low platelets
- 40.APRIL02 A 32 year-old woman in the third trimester of her first pregnancy develops HELP syndrome. This is: (–)
- Hemolysis elevated liver enzymes and low platelets
- Hepatic eosinophilia with low level of prothrombin
- Haemolytic eosinophilic liver necrosis with low platelets
- Hemorrhagic encephalopathy/Ieukomaiacia with low platelets
- Hemorrhagic encephalopathy and leukocyte lysis with platelet autolysis
- Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes and low Platelet count - complicating Preeclampsia-eclampsia
- Preeclampsia is a complication of pregnancy and is characterized by maternal hypertension, proteinuria, peripheral edema, coagulation abnormalities, and varying degrees of disseminated intravascular coagulation .
- When hyperreflexia and convulsions occur, the condition is called eclampsia. Hepatic disease is distressingly common in preeclampsia, usually as part of a syndrome of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets, dubbed the HELLP syndrome.
- 12.02.18 Findings on ultrasound on 16year old female with spherocytosis, which is least likely ?
- Gall stones
- Renal stones
- Splenomegaly
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Renal stones - F
- 12.02.18 Findings on ultrasound on 16year old female with spherocytosis, which is least likely ? Rob p398 (–) (GC)
- Gallstones - T - (bilirubin-rich stones may occur in extravascular haemolysis – ie. pigment stones , occurs 40-50%)
- Renal stones - F
- Splenomegaly - T - (occurs in most form of haemolytic anemias as there is active hyperplasia of the mononuclear system. Splenomegaly occurs more often and is more marked in HS than other haemolytic anaemias)
- Enlarged lymph nodes - T - (extramedullary hematopoiesis), theoretically.
HS: autosomal dominant disorder caused by inherited mutations that affect RBC membrane skeleton, leading to loss of membrane and eventual conversion of RBCs to spherocytes, which are phagocytosed and removed in the spleen Manifested by anaemia, splenomegaly and jaundice. Aplastic crises may be triggered by parvovirus B19 infection.
(GC) Changed Qu from “What are the likely findings”
(–) ? question should be ‘A child with spherocytosis has abdominal pain best explained by’; answer would then be Gallstones. If question asked ‘which of the following would not be seen’ then it would be ?renal stones.
- 12.03.30 In Thalassemia Major which is TRUE?
- Anaemia is secondary to abnormal β-haemoglobin
- Present at age 6 to 9 months
- Splenomegaly only occurs if cirrhosis
- Present at age 6 to 9 months - T - (change over from HbF to HbA)
- 12.03.30 In Thalassemia Major which is TRUE? Rob p403 (–) (GC)
- Anaemia is secondary to abnormal β-haemoglobin - F - see below
- Present at age 6 to 9 months - T - (change over from HbF to HbA)
- Splenomegaly only occurs if cirrhosis - F - (extramedullary haematopoiesis & increased RES function)
Thalassaemias are a group of autosomal recessive disorders in which mutations in the alpha or β globin genes result in reduced Hb synthesis, causing a microcytic hypochromic anaemia. β-thalassaemia major occurs when any two B0 and B+ alleles are inherited (homozygous or compound heterozygous), whilst β-thal minor occurs when only one abnormal allele is inherited. Most common cause is mutations that lead to aberrant mRNA processing.
• β+ results in reduced β globin synthesis
• β0 results in total β globin absence
(ie. doesn’t form abnormal β globin)
- 12.02.63 Elderly man with polycythaemia. Non-associated finding on CT is:
- Emphysema
- Renal mass
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Splenomegaly
- Chronic pancreatitis
- 12.02.63 Elderly man with polycythemia. Non-associated finding on CT is: (–) (GC)
- Emphysema - T - (any lung disease)
- Renal mass - T - (renal cell carcinoma)
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Splenomegaly - T - (slightly enlarged secondary to extramedullary haematopoiesis and vascular congestion, in 75%)
Polycythemia - relative (haemoconcentration) or absolute (primary or secondary)
Primary: autonomous prolifn of myeloid stem cells, nearly all have mutation in JAK2 (tyrosine kinase), RBC is rendered hypersensitive to EPO (normal or low EPO levels), occurs in 40-60yo.
Secondary (increased erythropoietin levels):
• Appropriate:
o Lung disease, high altitude living, cyanotic heart disease
• Inappropriate:
o Erythropoitetin-secreting tumours
Renal cell carcinoma
Hepatoma
Cerebellar haemangioblastoma
Uterine Fibroids
o Surreptitious erythropoieten use (athletes)
- 12.03.01 Patient with suspected mononucleosis, which would be ATYPICAL?
- Abnormal LFT’s
- Proteinuria with viral inclusion in epithelial cells in urine
- Groin lymphadenopathy
- Mononuclear meningitis
- Atypical lymphocytes in FNA
- Proteinuria with viral inclusion in epithelial cells in urine - F
- 12.03.01 Patient with suspected mononucleosis, which would be ATYPICAL ? Rob p417-418 (–) (GC)
- Abnormal LFT’s - T - liver fxn is almost always transiently impaired to some degree. Assocd with jaundice, elevated enzymes, disturbed appetite, and rarely even liver failure.
- Proteinuria with viral inclusion in epithelial cells in urine - F
- Groin lymphadenopathy - T - widespread lymphadenopathy with atypical lymphocytes
- Mononuclear meningitis - T - occurs but is rare
- Atypical lymphocytes in FNA - T - atypical lymphocytes occur in both peripheral blood smears and lymph nodes FNA. Mainly cytotoxic T-cells; occasionally cells resembling Reed Sternberg cells are present.
Note : Infectious mononucleosis
• herpes virus family
• associated with the development of Burkitt lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma
• splenomegaly occurs
- 12.03.35 Solitary plasmocytoma of bones of nasal cavity. Which is TRUE?
- Must go onto MM
- 20% progress to multiple myeloma
- mucosal covered
- <2cm bone expansion
Answer: Must go on to multiple myeloma
ROBBINS
Solitary Myeloma (plasmacytoma)
- 3-5% present as a solitary lesion of bone or soft tissue.
- bone lesions tend to occur in the same locations as in multiple myeloma.
- extraosseous lesions are often located in the lungs, oronasopharynx, or nasal sinuses.
Solitary osseous plasmacytoma almost inevitably progress to multiple myeloma, but this can take 10-20 years or longer.
In contrast, extraosseous plasmacytomas, particularly those involving the upper respiratory tract, are frequently cured by local resection.
- 2.03.34 Patient with Waldenstroms macroglobulinaemia, which is most correct ?
- Bone lesions indistinguishable from multiple myeloma
- Bone lesions in <3%
- Bone lesions involving cortex
- Solitary Bone lesion most likely similar sites as multiple myeloma but spares skull
- Subperiosteal deposits – endosteal spread
- Bone lesions in <3% - T - unlike myeloma, lytic bone lesions are “uncommon” (eMed). Robbins says “does not produce lytic bone lesions”; Dahnert says “lytic lesions seen on skeletal surveys in up to 20%”.
* *SCS: big robbins 9th ed: “bone lesions do not occur” pg 601. Pathoma pg 64 “lytic bone lesions are absent” - 12.03.34 Patient with Waldenstroms macroglobulinaemia, which is most correct ? (–) (GC)
- Bone lesions indistinguishable from multiple myeloma (false)
- Bone lesions in <3% - T - unlike myeloma, lytic bone lesions are “uncommon” (eMed). Robbins says “does not produce lytic bone lesions”; Dahnert says “lytic lesions seen on skeletal surveys in up to 20%”.
- Bone lesions involving cortex - F - marrow infiltration.
- Solitary Bone lesion most likely similar sites as multiple myeloma but spares skull (false)
- Subperiosteal deposits – endosteal spread (false)
Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma is a low grade lymophoid malignancy composed of mature plasmacytoid lymphocytes.
Production of abnormal monocloncal IgM protein leads to Waldenstrom’s MG (hyperviscosity syndrome).
Sx: visual impairment (retinal vein distension, retinal h’ages), headaches/dizziness/deafness, bleeding, cryoglobulinaemia (Raynaud, cold urticaria).
BM infiltration in >90%, may be diffuse or variegated replacement. Lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly.
M-spike on serum/urine EP, no BJ proteinuria.
Added “which is most correct” to Qu.