Hematopathology Practice Questions

Q: In a patient with general fatigue, normal TLC/ DLC, and superficial discrete lymphadenopathy, with lymph node biopsy showing effaced architecture, atypical cells with indented nuclei and prominent nucleoli, positive for CD10 and BCL-2, which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

Follicular Lymphoma. ***Follicular Lymphoma*** - The description of **atypical cells with indented nuclei** (cleaved cells) and **prominent nucleoli**, along with **CD10** and **BCL-2 positivity**, are classic features of follicular lymphoma [1], [2]. - **Effaced architecture** of the lymph node, and **superficial discrete lymphadenopathy** in an adult, further support this diagnosis [1]. *Mycosis Fungoides* - This is a **cutaneous T-cell lymphoma** characterized by skin lesions (patches, plaques, tumors) and rarely involves lymph nodes in the early stages. - It would show **CD3+ T-cells** on immunophenotyping, not CD10+ B-cells. *Burkitt's Lymphoma* - Characterized by rapidly growing tumors and a **"starry sky"** histological pattern with numerous macrophages [3]. - While it is CD10 positive, it would typically be **BCL-2 negative** due to the specific translocation involved (t(8;14) c-MYC/IgH). *Hodgkin Lymphoma* - Defined by the presence of **Reed-Sternberg cells** (large, multinucleated cells with prominent nucleoli, often described as "owl's eye" appearance). - These cells are typically **CD15+ and CD30+**, and BCL-2 expression is less specific and CD10 is not characteristic. **References:** [1] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Diseases Of The Urinary And Male Genital Tracts, pp. 561-562. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Diseases of White Blood Cells, Lymph Nodes, Spleen, and Thymus, pp. 602-604. [3] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Diseases of White Blood Cells, Lymph Nodes, Spleen, and Thymus, p. 606.

Q: A 7 year old child presents with fever, erythematous rash, and bone pain. $X$ - ray of the skull shows multiple lytic lesions. Skin biopsy shows prominent nuclear grooves with eosinophils as in the image below. Immunohistochemistry for S100, CD1a is also shown in the images below. What would be the diagnosis ?

Langerhans cell histiocytosis. ***Langerhans cell histiocytosis*** - The combination of **fever**, **erythematous rash**, **bone pain with lytic lesions**, and **prominent nuclear grooves with eosinophils** on skin biopsy, along with positive **S100** and **CD1a** immunohistochemistry, is highly characteristic of Langerhans cell histiocytosis [1]. - This condition is a clonal proliferation of Langerhans cells, which can affect bone, skin, and other organs, particularly in children [1]. *Erdheim-Chester disease* - This is a rare, non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis typically affecting adults, characterized by **xanthogranulomatous infiltration** of various organs. - While it can involve bones with **sclerotic lesions**, **lytic lesions** are uncommon, and the histological features with **nuclear grooves** and **eosinophils** are distinct from LCH. *Juvenile xanthogranuloma* - This is a benign, usually solitary, self-resolving histiocytic proliferation that typically presents as a **cutaneous nodule** in infants or young children. - Systemic involvement is rare, and it does not typically cause **lytic bone lesions** or exhibit the characteristic nuclear features of Langerhans cells. *Rosai-Dorfman disease* - This is a rare, benign histicocytic disorder characterized by **massive lymphadenopathy**, particularly cervical, and is often associated with the presence of **emperipolesis** (lymphocytes within histiocytes). - It does not typically present with **lytic bone lesions**, **eosinophilic infiltration**, or positive staining for **CD1a** or **S100** in the same manner as LCH. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Diseases of White Blood Cells, Lymph Nodes, Spleen, and Thymus, pp. 629-630.

Q: The Hb is 5 g/dL and the reticulocyte count is 9%. What is the corrected reticulocyte count?

3. ***3*** - The **corrected reticulocyte count (CRC)** is calculated to adjust for varying degrees of anemia, providing a more accurate assessment of bone marrow erythropoietic activity. The formula is: **CRC = observed reticulocyte % × (patient's HCT / normal HCT)**. - Assuming a normal hematocrit (HCT) of 45% and a direct hemoglobin to hematocrit conversion of 1:3 for 5 g/dL Hb (so HCT = 15%), then CRC = 9% × (15/45) = 9% × 1/3 = **3%**. *5* - This value is likely obtained by an **incorrect calculation** or by applying an inappropriate correction factor. - It does not properly account for the **severity of anemia** in the calculation of the corrected reticulocyte count [2]. *1.8* - This result may represent confusion with the **Reticulocyte Production Index (RPI)**, which further corrects for premature reticulocyte release by dividing CRC by a maturation time factor (typically 1.5-2 in severe anemia) [1]. - However, the question specifically asks for the **corrected reticulocyte count**, not the RPI, making this an inappropriate over-correction. *4.5* - This value might be a result of **dividing the observed reticulocyte count by a factor of 2**, which is not the standard correction for anemia. - It does not accurately reflect the **bone marrow's response** to the severe anemic state. **References:** [1] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Blood And Bone Marrow Disease, pp. 586-587. [2] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Blood And Bone Marrow Disease, pp. 590-591.

Q: Identify the given bone marrow biopsy instrument

Jamshidi needle. ***Jamshidi needle*** - The image displays a **Jamshidi needle**, characterized by its **tapered, beveled tip** designed to facilitate entry into the bone and procure an intact core of bone marrow. - This needle is widely considered the **gold standard** for bone marrow biopsy due to its effectiveness in obtaining high-quality trephine samples. *Salah needle* - A Salah needle is primarily used for **bone marrow aspiration**, not typically for a trephine biopsy, and it has a different design meant for aspirating liquid marrow. - It features a **shorter, sturdier design** with a sharp bevel, optimized for safely extracting marrow fluid. *Tru-cut needle* - The Tru-cut needle is primarily designed for obtaining **soft tissue biopsies** (e.g., liver, kidney, prostate) and is not typically used for bone marrow biopsies. - Its mechanism involves an inner cutting stylet and an outer cutting cannula, which is unsuitable for penetrating dense bone and retrieving a bone core. *Vim Silverman needle* - The Vim Silverman needle is also designed for **soft tissue biopsies**, similar to the Tru-cut, and not specifically for bone marrow. - It utilizes a split needle design to capture tissue, which is not appropriate for obtaining a solid bone marrow core.

Q: Which of the following cells is shown in the given image?

Hairy cell. ***Hairy cell*** - The image displays prominent **cytoplasmic projections** or "hairs" on the cell surface, which are characteristic features of **hairy cells** (lymphocytes seen in hairy cell leukemia) [1]. - These cells typically have an irregularly shaped nucleus and cytoplasm rich in ribosomes, as suggested by the granular appearance [1]. *Sickle cell* - **Sickle cells** are **red blood cells** that have a characteristic crescent or sickle shape due to abnormal hemoglobin polymerization. - The cell in the image is a **white blood cell** with a large nucleus and cytoplasmic extensions, clearly not a red blood cell. *Gaucher cell* - **Gaucher cells** are **macrophages** that accumulate glucocerebroside, giving them a characteristic **"crinkled paper"** or **"chicken scratch"** cytoplasm. - While they are large cells, they lack the distinct, fine, hair-like projections seen in the provided image. *Target cell* - **Target cells** are **red blood cells** with a central bullseye appearance due to an abnormal distribution of hemoglobin, often seen in thalassemia or liver disease. - The presented image is not a red blood cell and does not demonstrate the morphology of a target cell. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Diseases of White Blood Cells, Lymph Nodes, Spleen, and Thymus, p. 612.

Q: Which of the following are characteristic laboratory findings in Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA)? 1. Low serum ferritin 2. Low transferrin saturation 3. Low serum iron 4. Increased TIBC

All of the above. ***All of the above (1, 2, 3, and 4)*** - **All listed parameters are characteristic findings in Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA):** - **Low serum ferritin** - Indicates depleted iron stores; most specific early marker [1] - **Low serum iron** - Reflects reduced circulating iron availability [1] - **Low transferrin saturation** - Shows decreased percentage of iron-bound transferrin molecules (typically <15%) [1] - **Increased TIBC** - Compensatory increase in total iron-binding capacity as the liver produces more transferrin to capture available iron [1] *Why not just 1, 2, and 3?* - Increased TIBC is also a hallmark finding in IDA, distinguishing it from anemia of chronic disease (where TIBC is typically low) [1] *Why not just 3 and 4?* - Serum ferritin and transferrin saturation are equally important diagnostic parameters [1] *Why not just 1, 3, and 4?* - Low transferrin saturation is a key diagnostic criterion for IDA [1] **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Red Blood Cell and Bleeding Disorders, pp. 657-660.

Q: The graphical representation for flow cytometry analysis is done by which of the following?

Histogram, dot plot. ***Histogram, dot plot*** - **Histograms** are used in flow cytometry to display the distribution of a single parameter (e.g., cell size, fluorescence intensity) across the cell population. - **Dot plots** are used to visualize the relationship between two or more parameters, allowing for the identification of distinct cell populations based on multiple characteristics. *Pie chart, dot plot* - **Pie charts** are typically used to represent proportions of a whole, which is not the primary way flow cytometry data is presented for detailed cell analysis. - While dot plots are correct, the combination with pie charts makes this option less accurate for typical flow cytometry analysis. *Line diagram, dot plot* - **Line diagrams** are generally used to show trends over time or continuous relationships, which is not the standard graphical representation for direct flow cytometry output. - Although dot plots are used, the inclusion of line diagrams makes this option incorrect in the context of typical flow cytometry data visualization. *Bar diagram, dot plot* - **Bar diagrams** are often used for comparing discrete categories or counting occurrences, not for displaying continuous distributions or multi-parameter relationships in flow cytometry directly. - While dot plots are correct, the pairing with bar diagrams does not represent the common and most informative graphical methods for flow cytometry analysis.

Question 1

Which of the following statements regarding von Willebrand disease is incorrect?

Accepted Answer

Type 1 von Willebrand disease presents with severe bleeding since childhood.

Answer

Type 2 von Willebrand disease is associated with a moderate bleeding tendency.

Answer

Type 3 von Willebrand disease is associated with severe deficiency of factor VIII.

Answer

Type 2 von Willebrand disease includes subtypes with varying defects in von Willebrand factor.

Question 2

In a patient with general fatigue, normal TLC/ DLC, and superficial discrete lymphadenopathy, with lymph node biopsy showing effaced architecture, atypical cells with indented nuclei and prominent nucleoli, positive for CD10 and BCL-2, which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Follicular Lymphoma

Answer

Mycosis Fungoides

Answer

Burkitt's Lymphoma

Answer

Hodgkin Lymphoma

Question 3

A 35 year old woman presents with fatigue. Investigations revealed the following: Hb, 5 g/dL; MCH, 24; low MCV; leukocytes, 11,000/ uL, and platelets, 5 lakhs. The peripheral smear is shown below. What is the diagnosis?

Normal values:
- Mean cell volume (MCV); 90 ± 8 fL
- Mean cell Hb(MCH); 30 ± 3 pg

Accepted Answer

Iron - deficiency anemia

Answer

Essential thrombocytosis

Answer

Thalassemia major

Answer

Megaloblastic anemia

Question 4

Match the following cell types/patterns (Column A) with their associated malignancies (Column B):

Column A (Cell types/patterns):
a) Faggot cell
b) Popcorn cell
c) Starry sky pattern
d) Cerebriform nuclei

Column B (Associated malignancies):
1) Acute promyelocytic leukemia
2) Lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin's lymphoma
3) Burkitt lymphoma
4) Sezary syndrome

Accepted Answer

1-a, 2-b, 3-c, 4-d

Answer

1-a, 2-d, 3-c, 4-b

Answer

1-b, 2-c, 3-a, 4-d

Answer

1-b, 2-a, 3-d, 4-c

Question 5

A 7 year old child presents with fever, erythematous rash, and bone pain. $X$ - ray of the skull shows multiple lytic lesions. Skin biopsy shows prominent nuclear grooves with eosinophils as in the image below. Immunohistochemistry for S100, CD1a is also shown in the images below. What would be the diagnosis ?

Accepted Answer

Langerhans cell histiocytosis

Answer

Erdheim-Chester disease

Answer

Juvenile xanthogranuloma

Answer

Rosai-Dorfman disease

Question 6

The Hb is 5 g/dL and the reticulocyte count is 9%. What is the corrected reticulocyte count?

Accepted Answer

3

Answer

5

Answer

1.8

Answer

4.5

Question 7

Identify the given bone marrow biopsy instrument

Accepted Answer

Jamshidi needle

Answer

Salah needle

Answer

Tru-cut needle

Answer

Vim Silverman needle

Question 8

Which of the following cells is shown in the given image?

Accepted Answer

Hairy cell

Answer

Sickle cell

Answer

Gaucher cell

Answer

Target cell

Question 9

Which of the following are characteristic laboratory findings in Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA)?

1. Low serum ferritin
2. Low transferrin saturation
3. Low serum iron
4. Increased TIBC

Accepted Answer

All of the above

Answer

3 and 4 only

Answer

1, 3, and 4 only

Answer

1 and 2 only

Question 10

The graphical representation for flow cytometry analysis is done by which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Histogram, dot plot

Answer

Pie chart, dot plot

Answer

Line diagram, dot plot

Answer

Bar diagram, dot plot

Hematopathology — MCQs

Hematopathology — MCQs

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