Pathology of anemia

Question 1

definition: anemia

Answer 1

decreased RBC mass affecting tissue oxygenation

Question 2

in H&E staining, do immature RBCs stain darker or lighter?

Answer 2

darker - more RNA

Question 3

normoblastic RBCs will be seen in what type of anemia?

Answer 3

hemolytic

Question 4

what are the morphological features of spherocytes?

Answer 4

small, round, no central pallor

Question 5

what conditions could cause the presence of spherocytes?

Answer 5

1. hereditary spherocytosis

2. autoimmune hemolytic anemia

Question 6

definition: schistocyte

Answer 6

RBC fragment

Question 7

in what conditions could schistocytes be present?

Answer 7

1. microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (DIC, TTP, HUS)

2. other hemolytic anemias

Question 8

what are the causes of basophilic stippling / punctate basophilia?

Answer 8

1. lead poisoning (coarse stippling)
2. severe anemia
3. severe infection
4. drug exposure
5. alcoholism

Question 9

what are howell jolly bodies?

Answer 9

nuclear remnants (larger than basophilic stippling)

Question 10

what is the cause of howell jolly bodies?

Answer 10

1. absence of spleen

2. hemolysis

Question 11

what are the common causes of macrocytic anemia?

Answer 11

1. B12 / folate deficiency
2. alcohol use
3. liver disease
4. reticuloccytosis

Question 12

what is the pathogenesis of macrocytic anemia?

Answer 12

1. defective DNA synthesis (B12/folate deficiency)

2. increased RBC membrane (lipid alterations - alcohol use)

Question 13

what is the reason for low PCV in patients with blood loss anemia?

Answer 13

intravascular shift of water from interstitial fluid compartment - hemodilution