Pathoma: Acute Leukemias

Question 1

Patients with acute leukemias typically present with decreases in _________.

Answer 1

other hematopoietic cells, leading to thrombocytopenia, anemia, lymphopenia, or granulocytopenia

Question 2

Tdt is a _________.

Answer 2

DNA polymerase that is present only in lymphoblasts

Question 3

The defining enzyme of AML is _________.

Answer 3

myeloperoxidase (which sometimes crystalizes as an Auer rod), with the important exception of monocytic leukemias and megakaryocytic leukemias.

Question 4

What are the classic markers of B-ALL?

Answer 4

CD10, CD19, and CD20

Question 5

B-ALL has a good prognosis, but they require _______.

Answer 5

prophylactic chemo to the scrotum and brain

Question 6

The most common chromosomal abnormality of B-ALL is _______.

Answer 6

t(9;21)

Question 7

T-ALL is indicated by _______.

Answer 7

surface markers CD2 - CD8 (all of the numbers in between, too); thymic mass; teenagers

Question 8

Describe the pathophysiology of APML.

Answer 8

The retinoic acid receptor is disrupted, which prevents the cells maturing. All-trans retinoic acid induces cell maturation.

Question 9

In APML, Auer rods increase the risk of _____.

Answer 9

disseminated intravascular coagulation

Question 10

Those with Down syndrome are at increased risk of _____ before age five and _____ after age five.

Answer 10

acute megakaryoblastic leukemia; B-type acute lymphoblastic leukemia