Rheumatology & Haematology — Flashcards

Flashcard 311: Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) may occur secondary to malignancy, such as _____, due to activation of the coagulation cascade by primary granules

Answer: acute promyelocytic leukemia (AML sub-type)

Flashcard 312: 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 313: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia can cause _____ because of suppression of thrombocytopoiesis

Answer: bleeding/bruising

Flashcard 314: Does acute myeloid leukaemia typically present with lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly? _____

Answer: No (rare)

Flashcard 315: Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia most often occurs in _____

Answer: children

Flashcard 316: Acute myeloid leukaemia is a malignant proliferation of _____ cells

Answer: myeloid progenitor

Flashcard 317: 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 318: 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 319: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia may present with _____ and/or hepatosplenomegaly on examination

Answer: lymphadenopathy

Flashcard 320: 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.