Hematology — MCQs
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Which of the following presents as mediastinal enlargement?
Polycythemia may be a feature of all of the following except:
Development of Lymphoma in Sjogren's syndrome is suggested by all of the following except
Causes of deep venous thrombosis include all of the following, EXCEPT:
Best blood product to be given in a patient of multiple clotting factor deficiency with active bleeding:
Risk of thromboembolism is highest with:
A 25-year-old patient came to medicine OPD with complaints of sore throat and a slightly itchy rash. On examination, pharyngeal erythema with bilateral tender cervical lymphadenopathy is noted. Throat swab is sent for microbiological examination. Peripheral blood film revealed the following finding. Which of the following malignant conditions are not associated with the above infection?
A 25-year-old lady presented with anemia, jaundice, and recurrent joint pains. All of the following are true except:
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia is seen in: A) Sickle cell anemia B) Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) C) Acute myelocytic leukemia (AML) D) Multiple myeloma
All of the following are true about lupus anticoagulant except:
Hematology Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 941: Which of the following presents as mediastinal enlargement?
- A. T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
- B. Hodgkin lymphoma (Correct Answer)
- C. Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma
- D. Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Explanation: ***Hodgkin lymphoma*** - **Hodgkin lymphoma** frequently presents with **mediastinal involvement**, particularly the **nodular sclerosis subtype**, leading to mediastinal enlargement [1]. - This enlargement is often detected on chest X-rays and can cause symptoms due to compression of nearby structures [1]. *T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia* - While T-cell ALL can cause a **mediastinal mass**, it is a **leukemia** typically characterized by widespread bone marrow involvement and circulating blast cells, not primarily a solid mediastinal enlargement. - The mediastinal involvement is usually a manifestation of **thymic infiltration** by leukemic cells, but the primary disease is systemic. *Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma* - This is a distinct subtype of **diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)** that **primarily arises in the mediastinum** and presents as a large mediastinal mass. - It is histologically and clinically distinct from Hodgkin lymphoma, though both can cause mediastinal enlargement [1]. *Chronic Myeloid Leukemia* - **CML** is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by the **Philadelphia chromosome** and primarily affects the bone marrow and spleen. - While extramedullary hematopoiesis can occur, mediastinal enlargement is not a typical or common presentation of CML.
Question 942: Polycythemia may be a feature of all of the following except:
- A. Gastric carcinoma (Correct Answer)
- B. Hepatoma
- C. Cushing's syndrome
- D. Hypernephroma
Explanation: ***Gastric carcinoma*** - **Gastric carcinoma** is not typically associated with paraneoplastic polycythemia. Paraneoplastic syndromes in gastric cancer are rare but may include **Trousseau's syndrome** (migratory thrombophlebitis) or **acanthosis nigricans**. - While anemia is a common feature due to chronic blood loss, polycythemia is not a known association. *Hepatoma* - **Hepatocellular carcinoma (Hepatoma)** can produce **erythropoietin (EPO)**, leading to secondary polycythemia as a paraneoplastic syndrome [1]. - This occurs due to the unregulated production of EPO by the tumor cells, stimulating red blood cell production in the bone marrow [1]. *Hypernephroma* - **Renal cell carcinoma (Hypernephroma)** is well-known for its paraneoplastic manifestations, including the production of **erythropoietin** [1]. - This **ectopic EPO production** stimulates the bone marrow, resulting in secondary polycythemia in a significant percentage of patients [1]. *Cushing's syndrome* - **Cushing's syndrome**, while primarily involving hypercortisolism, can sometimes present with a **mild polycythemia** or an increase in red blood cell mass [2]. - This is thought to be due to direct stimulatory effects of **excess glucocorticoids** on erythropoiesis or indirectly through increased erythropoietin sensitivity in the bone marrow.
Question 943: Development of Lymphoma in Sjogren's syndrome is suggested by all of the following except
- A. Leukopenia
- B. Cryoglobulinemia
- C. Persistent parotid gland enlargement
- D. High C4 complement levels (Correct Answer)
Explanation: High C4 complement levels - **High C4 complement levels** are not typically associated with an increased risk or development of lymphoma in Sjögren's syndrome. In fact, **low C4** (due to consumption) is more commonly linked to complications like vasculitis or cryoglobulinemia, which can sometimes precede lymphoma. - Decreased complement levels, particularly **C4**, are often seen in Sjögren's patients with **lymphoproliferative disorders** or **cryoglobulinemia**, making elevated levels an unlikely indicator of lymphoma. Leukopenia - **Leukopenia** (low white blood cell count) can be a significant indicator of developing **lymphoma** in patients with Sjögren's syndrome. It may reflect bone marrow infiltration or a systemic effect of the underlying disease. - Persistent or worsening **leukopenia** should prompt further investigation for lymphoproliferative disorders. Cryoglobulinemia - **Cryoglobulinemia** is a well-established risk factor and a paraneoplastic manifestation strongly associated with the development of **B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma** in Sjögren's syndrome [1]. - The presence of **cryoglobulins** indicates abnormal B-cell activity, which can evolve into overt lymphoma. Persistent parotid gland enlargement - **Persistent parotid gland enlargement** in a Sjögren's patient is a critical warning sign for potential **lymphoma**, especially **mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma** [1]. - This symptom warrants a **biopsy** to rule out malignancy, as it often signifies increased lymphoid proliferation within the salivary glands.
Question 944: Causes of deep venous thrombosis include all of the following, EXCEPT:
- A. Hypothyroidism (Correct Answer)
- B. Prolonged surgery
- C. Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH)
- D. Oral contraceptives
Explanation: ***Hypothyroidism*** - **Hypothyroidism** is generally associated with a hypercoagulable state due to various mechanisms, but it is not considered a primary direct cause of **deep venous thrombosis (DVT)**. - While some studies show an association with increased **cardiovascular risk**, it is not listed as a common or significant independent risk factor for DVT compared to other conditions. *Prolonged surgery* - **Prolonged surgery** significantly increases the risk of DVT due to **immobility**, leading to venous stasis, and **surgical trauma** contributing to endothelial injury and activation of coagulation [1]. - Anesthesia can also cause **vasodilation** and further pooling of blood in the lower extremities, exacerbating stasis [1]. *Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH)* - **PNH** is a rare acquired hematological disorder characterized by increased susceptibility to complement-mediated hemolysis and a very high risk of **thrombosis**, including DVT, often in unusual locations. - The thrombotic tendency in PNH is due to the absence of **glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins** like **CD55** and **CD59** on blood cells, which normally protect against complement activation. *Oral contraceptives* - **Oral contraceptives**, particularly those containing **estrogen**, significantly increase the risk of DVT by causing a **procoagulant state**. - Estrogen can increase the synthesis of **coagulation factors** (e.g., factors VII, VIII, X, and fibrinogen) and decrease levels of natural anticoagulants (e.g., antithrombin).
Question 945: Best blood product to be given in a patient of multiple clotting factor deficiency with active bleeding:
- A. Whole blood
- B. Packed RBCs
- C. Cryoprecipitate
- D. Fresh frozen plasma (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Fresh frozen plasma*** - **Fresh frozen plasma (FFP)** contains all coagulation factors, including labile factors V and VIII, making it the best choice for patients with multiple clotting factor deficiencies and active bleeding. - It rapidly replenishes clotting factors, which is critical in scenarios of **acute hemorrhage** due to global coagulopathy. *Whole blood* - **Whole blood** contains red blood cells, plasma, and platelets, but its clotting factor concentration is lower than FFP and deteriorates over storage. - It is preferred for massive hemorrhage with significant blood volume loss, but less effective for isolated clotting factor deficiencies without substantial volume depletion. *Packed RBCs* - **Packed red blood cells (PRBCs)** are primarily used to increase oxygen-carrying capacity by raising hemoglobin levels in anemic patients. - They lack significant amounts of clotting factors and are therefore not effective in treating active bleeding due to coagulation factor deficiencies. *Cryoprecipitate* - **Cryoprecipitate** contains specific clotting factors, namely factor VIII, von Willebrand factor, fibrinogen, and factor XIII. - While useful for deficiencies in these specific factors (e.g., hemophilia A, DIC with low fibrinogen), it does not provide a broad spectrum of all clotting factors needed for general multiple factor deficiencies.
Question 946: Risk of thromboembolism is highest with:
- A. Femoral vein thrombus (Correct Answer)
- B. Posterior tibial vein thrombus
- C. Popliteal vein thrombus
- D. Anterior tibial vein thrombus
Explanation: ***Femoral vein thrombus*** - A **femoral vein thrombus** is located in a proximal, large-caliber vein, carrying a **higher risk of dislodgement** and subsequent pulmonary embolism due to increased blood flow and clot burden [2]. - Its position allows for a more direct and unobstructed path to the lungs compared to more distal thrombi. *Posterior tibial vein thrombus* - This is a **distal deep vein thrombus**, typically associated with a **lower risk of pulmonary embolism** compared to proximal DVT [1]. - While it can extend proximally and become dangerous, the initial risk of significant embolization is less. *Popliteal vein thrombus* - A **popliteal vein thrombus** is still considered a proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT) which carries a significant risk. - However, the **femoral vein** is a more central and larger vessel, often leading to a greater clot burden and higher embolization risk [2]. *Anterior tibial vein thrombus* - Similar to a posterior tibial vein thrombus, this is a **distal DVT** and generally has a **lower intrinsic risk of pulmonary embolism** [1]. - Small, distal clots are less likely to dislodge and travel to the lungs, or if they do, they cause less significant morbidity.
Question 947: A 25-year-old patient came to medicine OPD with complaints of sore throat and a slightly itchy rash. On examination, pharyngeal erythema with bilateral tender cervical lymphadenopathy is noted. Throat swab is sent for microbiological examination. Peripheral blood film revealed the following finding. Which of the following malignant conditions are not associated with the above infection?
- A. Hodgkin disease
- B. Burkitt's lymphoma
- C. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma
- D. B cell lymphoma (immunocompetent patient) (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***B cell lymphoma (immunocompetent patient)*** - The image shows **atypical lymphocytes**, characteristic of infectious mononucleosis, typically caused by the **Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)**. EBV is associated with several malignancies, but primary B-cell lymphoma in an immunocompetent patient is not a direct consequence of EBV infection, unlike post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder. - While EBV infects B cells, leading to their proliferation, a normal immune system usually controls this. The specific malignant transformation to B-cell lymphoma without underlying immunodeficiency is not a direct, well-established association with EBV infection. It's more commonly linked to specific genetic translocations or immunodeficiency. *Hodgkin disease* - **Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)** has a strong association with a significant proportion of classic Hodgkin lymphoma cases, particularly the mixed-cellularity and lymphocyte-depleted subtypes. - EBV DNA can be found in the **Reed-Sternberg cells** characteristic of Hodgkin lymphoma. *Burkitt's lymphoma* - **Endemic Burkitt's lymphoma**, prevalent in equatorial Africa, is strongly linked to **Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)** and chronic malaria. - EBV contributes to the pathogenesis by promoting B-cell proliferation, which can lead to the characteristic **MYC translocation**. *Nasopharyngeal carcinoma* - **Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)** is consistently associated with all histological types of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), particularly the undifferentiated type. - EBV infection is considered a **necessary cofactor** in the development of NPC, with viral DNA found in almost all tumor cells.
Question 948: A 25-year-old lady presented with anemia, jaundice, and recurrent joint pains. All of the following are true except:
- A. HbA will be undetectable
- B. She may have retinopathy
- C. Hydroxyurea would help her
- D. She can present with pulmonary bleeds (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***She can present with pulmonary bleeds*** - The symptoms of **anemia**, **jaundice**, and recurrent **joint pains** in a 25-year-old suggest **sickle cell anemia**. Pulmonary bleeds are not a typical or common presentation of sickle cell disease; rather, patients are more prone to **acute chest syndrome**, which involves pulmonary infiltrates, but not usually frank bleeding [2]. - While various complications can affect the lungs in sickle cell disease, **pulmonary hemorrhage** is rare and not a characteristic feature. *HbA will be undetectable* - In **sickle cell anemia (Hb SS)**, the body exclusively produces **hemoglobin S (HbS)**, meaning **adult hemoglobin (HbA)**, the normal form, is indeed undetectable [3], [4]. - This is because the patient is homozygous for the **sickle gene**, preventing the synthesis of normal beta-globin chains [4]. *She may have retinopathy* - **Sickle cell retinopathy** is a common complication due to **vaso-occlusion** in the retinal vessels, leading to ischemia, neovascularization, and potentially vision loss. - This can manifest as various stages of proliferative retinopathy, often requiring treatment to preserve vision. *Hydroxyurea would help her* - **Hydroxyurea** is a medication used to reduce the frequency and severity of **sickle cell crises** and mitigate complications [1]. - It works by increasing the production of **fetal hemoglobin (HbF)**, which interferes with the polymerization of HbS and improves red blood cell function [1].
Question 949: Autoimmune hemolytic anemia is seen in: A) Sickle cell anemia B) Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) C) Acute myelocytic leukemia (AML) D) Multiple myeloma
- A. Acute myelocytic leukemia (AML)
- B. Multiple myeloma
- C. Sickle cell anemia
- D. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)*** - **CLL** is strongly associated with **autoimmune hemolytic anemia** due to immune system dysregulation that leads to production of **autoantibodies** against red blood cells [1]. - The malignant B-lymphocytes in CLL cause **immunologic dysfunction**, making AIHA one of the most common autoimmune complications of this disease [1]. *Sickle cell anemia* - **Sickle cell anemia** causes hemolysis through **intrinsic red blood cell defects** due to abnormal hemoglobin S structure, not autoimmune mechanisms. - The hemolysis is **mechanical** and occurs when sickled cells become rigid and fragile, rather than being mediated by autoantibodies. *Acute myelocytic leukemia (AML)* - **AML** is a rapidly progressing cancer of the myeloid blood cell line, primarily affecting early progenitor cells. - Autoimmune hemolytic anemia is **rarely associated** with AML; the primary hematologic issue is **pancytopenia** due to bone marrow suppression. *Multiple myeloma* - **Multiple myeloma** is a plasma cell dyscrasia characterized by proliferation of malignant plasma cells and production of **monoclonal proteins** [2]. - While other hematologic abnormalities can occur, **AIHA is not a common complication** of multiple myeloma [2].
Question 950: All of the following are true about lupus anticoagulant except:
- A. Prolongation of only aPTT
- B. Recurrent second trimester abortion
- C. Recurrent bleeding episodes (Correct Answer)
- D. Can be associated without any clinical symptoms
Explanation: ***Recurrent bleeding episodes*** - Lupus anticoagulant (LA) is an **autoantibody** that paradoxically increases the risk of **thrombosis** (clotting), not bleeding. - While it prolongs clotting tests in vitro, its in vivo effect is **procoagulant**, leading to conditions like **deep vein thrombosis**, **pulmonary embolism**, and **stroke**. *Prolongation of only aPTT* - This statement is false because LA typically causes a **prolongation of phospholipid-dependent clotting tests**, most commonly the **activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)**. - However, it can also affect other tests such as the dilute Russell viper venom time (dRVVT) and kaolin clotting time. *Recurrent second trimester abortion* - Lupus anticoagulant is a key component of **antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)**, a condition strongly associated with **recurrent pregnancy loss**, particularly in the second and third trimesters. - The presence of LA contributes to **placental thrombosis**, leading to fetal demise. *Can be associated without any clinical symptoms* - Many individuals test positive for lupus anticoagulant incidentally without ever developing **thrombotic events** or other clinical manifestations of antiphospholipid syndrome. - The presence of LA alone does not automatically equate to a diagnosis of APS; clinical criteria must also be met.
Practice by Chapter
Anemia Evaluation and Management
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Hemoglobinopathies
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Thalassemias
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Platelet Disorders
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Coagulation Disorders
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Thrombotic Disorders
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Leukemias
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Lymphomas
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Multiple Myeloma and Plasma Cell Disorders
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Myeloproliferative Neoplasms
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Transfusion Medicine
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Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
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