Rheumatology & Haematology — Flashcards

Flashcard 291: Blood smear for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is typically associated with _____ blasts with scant cytoplasm and inconspicuous nucleoli.

Answer: small to medium

Extra: Lymphoblasts (ALL) are generally smaller than myeloblasts (AML). They have condensed/clumped chromatin, scant cytoplasm, and lack Auer rods.

Flashcard 292: Acute myeloid leukemia progresses _____ within days to weeks

Answer: rapidly

Flashcard 293: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia progresses _____ within days to weeks

Answer: rapidly

Flashcard 294: The confirmatory investigation for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is _____.

Answer: Bone marrow aspiration & biopsy

Extra: AML is suggested by Auer rods on peripheral smear. Confirmed by BM biopsy showing ≥ 20% myeloblasts. Special stains: Myeloperoxidase (MPO) positive.

Flashcard 295: _____ may occur secondary to AML, due to a markedly elevated WBC count leading to impaired microcirculation

Answer: Leukostasis

Flashcard 296: Acute myeloid leukaemia is classified using the _____ classification system to predict prognosis and guide management decisions.

Answer: WHO (2022)

Extra: The WHO (2022) classification and the International Consensus Classification (ICC) are the current standards. Most AML subtypes still require ≥20% blasts in the blood or bone marrow, though some genetic-defined AMLs (like APL) can be diagnosed with lower blast counts.

Flashcard 297: What is the likely diagnosis in an elderly patient with recurrent infections, ecchymoses, and a dermatological rash. Blood smear shows Auer rods. _____

Answer: Acute myeloid leukaemia

Flashcard 298: Does acute myeloid leukaemia typically present with lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly? _____

Answer: No (rare)

Flashcard 299: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia may present with _____ pain due to infiltration of leukaemic cells in the periosteum

Answer: bone

Flashcard 300: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia can cause _____ because of suppression of thrombocytopoiesis

Answer: bleeding/bruising