Hematopathology Practice Questions

Q: All of the following are features of juvenile CML except which of the following?

Philadelphia chromosome is positive. ***Philadelphia chromosome is positive*** - **Juvenile Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (JCML)**, now known as **Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML)** of childhood, is characterized by the **absence** of the **Philadelphia chromosome (Ph chromosome)**. - The Ph chromosome, a t(9;22)(q34;q11) translocation forming the **BCR-ABL1 fusion gene**, is the hallmark of adult Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), but not JCML. *Thrombocytopenia* - **Thrombocytopenia** (low platelet count) is a common feature in JCML due to ineffective hematopoiesis and bone marrow infiltration. - This contrasts with adult CML, where **thrombocytosis** (high platelet count) is more characteristic of the chronic phase. *Fetal Hb is increased* - An **increased level of fetal hemoglobin (HbF)** is a characteristic laboratory finding in children with JCML. - This elevation is related to the dysregulated hematopoiesis and is a useful diagnostic marker. *Lymphadenopathy* - **Lymphadenopathy** (enlarged lymph nodes) is a frequent clinical manifestation in JCML, reflecting the widespread infiltration of monocytic cells. - This is part of the systemic involvement seen in this aggressive myeloproliferative disorder.

Q: The immunoglobulin most commonly involved in Multiple Myeloma is:

IgG. ***IgG*** - In Multiple Myeloma, the most commonly involved immunoglobulin is **IgG**, which is often produced in excess by malignant plasma cells [1][2]. - The presence of **monoclonal IgG** in serum is a key indicator of this malignancy, evident in diagnostic tests like serum protein electrophoresis. *IgM* - While **elevated IgM** levels can occur in other conditions like Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, it is not typically associated with Multiple Myeloma [2]. - IgM is produced by a different type of plasma cell and does not reflect the classic presentation of Multiple Myeloma. *IgA* - Although **IgA** can be involved in some cases of Multiple Myeloma, it is much less common than IgG [1][2]. - Patients with predominately **IgA Multiple Myeloma** are relatively rare compared to those with IgG. *IgD* - **IgD** myeloma is a very rare type of Multiple Myeloma, accounting for less than 2% of cases [1][2]. - It is not typically associated with the classic symptoms and conditions that characterize the more common IgG or IgA forms. **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. 608-609. [2] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Blood And Bone Marrow Disease, pp. 616-617.

Q: What is the cell of origin of B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL)?

Immature B cells. ***Immature B cells*** - B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B ALL) is primarily derived from the **malignant transformation of precursor B lymphocytes** [1]. - The disease is characterized by the presence of **immature B cell blasts** in the bone marrow and peripheral blood [1]. *T cells* - T cells are involved in a different lineage of leukemia known as T-ALL, not B ALL [1]. - The pathophysiology of B ALL specifically relates to **B cell precursors**, not T cell involvement. *Both T & B cells* - This option is incorrect as B ALL specifically originates from **B cell lineage**, and T cells are unrelated to its pathogenesis [1]. - The presence of both T and B cells together characterizes mixed lineage leukemias, which is not the case here. *Immature T cells* - Immature T cells are precursors for **T acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL)**, not for B ALL [1]. - B ALL does not involve T cell precursors; the focus is solely on **immature B cells** [1]. **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. 596-600.

Q: Starry sky appearance is seen in which of the following?

Burkitt's Lymphoma. ***Burkitts lymphoma*** - The **starry sky appearance** is a characteristic histopathological finding due to interspersed macrophages containing **phagocytosed apoptotic cells** and necrotic debris in Burkitt's lymphoma [1]. - It is associated with **MYC gene translocation** and presents typically in children or young adults, commonly affecting the **jaw or abdomen**. *CIL* - CIL (chronic inflammatory leukocytosis) does not exhibit a **starry sky appearance**; it typically reflects a reactive process without specific histological features. - The histology is more characterized by **increased white blood cell counts** rather than tissue architecture alterations seen in lymphomas. *Diffuse large B cell lymphoma* - While this lymphoma can show **varied morphology**, it does not have a **starry sky appearance** as a defining feature, rather presenting with **large atypical B-cells**. - The histological appearance is generally of a **diffuse infiltrate**, which lacks the classic starry sky histology. *ALCL* - Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is characterized by **large, pleomorphic cells** but does not show a starry sky appearance. - The histological pattern primarily focuses on **large anaplastic lymphoid cells** rather than the scattered macrophages seen in Burkitt's lymphoma. **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. 606.

Q: What type of anaemia is primarily associated with leukaemia?

Myelophthisic anaemia. ***Myelophthisic anaemia*** - This condition arises from the **displacement of normal hematopoietic tissue** in the bone marrow by abnormal cells, like those seen in leukaemia, leading to **extramedullary hematopoiesis**. - Marrow infiltration causes **pancytopenia** and often results in the presence of **immature granulocytes** and **nucleated red blood cells** in the peripheral blood (leukoerythroblastosis). *Iron deficiency anaemia* - This type of anaemia is caused by insufficient iron for **hemoglobin synthesis**, often due to chronic blood loss or inadequate dietary intake. - While leukaemia patients can develop iron deficiency due to bleeding, it is not the **primary type of anaemia** directly resulting from the marrow infiltration by leukaemic cells. *Megaloblastic anaemia* - Characterized by the production of abnormally large, immature red blood cells, primarily due to **vitamin B12** or **folate deficiency**. - There is no direct causal link between leukaemia and the development of megaloblastic anaemia as a **primary haemato-pathological mechanism**. *Aplastic anaemia* - Characterized by **pancytopenia** due to bone marrow failure with hypocellular marrow, not marrow infiltration. - While both leukaemia and aplastic anaemia can present with cytopenias, aplastic anaemia shows a **hypocellular marrow** whereas leukaemia shows a **hypercellular marrow** with infiltration by malignant cells.

Q: Which of the following is not typically seen in Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)?

Normal aPTT. ***Normal APTT*** - In Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (**DIC**), **APTT** is typically **prolonged** due to consumption of clotting factors [1]. - The presence of normal APTT indicates that coagulation pathways are not significantly affected, which is contrary to what is seen in DIC. *Fibrinogen decreased* - **Decreased fibrinogen levels** are common in DIC, reflecting its consumption during the coagulation process [1]. - This depletion is linked to the increased clotting and is a hallmark of DIC, making this statement false in the context of the question. *Thrombocytopenia* - **Thrombocytopenia** occurs in DIC as platelets are consumed during the formation of microclots [1]. - A significant drop in platelet count is a key feature of DIC, therefore this statement does not align with the "except" clause. *PT elevation* - Prothrombin Time (**PT**) is usually **elevated** in DIC due to the consumption of clotting factors [1]. - This reflects the ongoing activation of the coagulation cascade, supporting the exclusion in the question context. **References:** [1] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Blood And Bone Marrow Disease, pp. 625-626.

Q: In which type of Hodgkin's Lymphoma are lacunar cells typically observed?

Nodular Sclerosis type. ***Nodular Sclerosis Type*** - **Lacunar cells** are characteristically seen in **Nodular Sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma**, which is the most common subtype [1][3]. - These cells are large **Reed-Sternberg cells** with a distinctive morphology, typically found in **fibrous areas** of the lymph node [1]. *Mixed cellularity type* - This subtype is associated with a diverse cell population but does not primarily feature **lacunar cells** [2][4]. - It predominantly contains **Reed-Sternberg cells** without the specific morphology seen in nodular sclerosis [2]. *Lymphocyte predominant* - Lymphocyte predominant type mainly consists of **lymphocytes** with few Reed-Sternberg cells, and lacks **lacunar cells** [5]. - The histology is significantly different, exhibiting a more lymphocytic composition and not the classic lucent spaces [5]. *All of the above* - This option is incorrect as neither **Mixed cellularity** nor **Lymphocyte predominant** types contain **lacunar cells** [2][4][5]. - Lacunar cells are a distinctive feature solely of the **Nodular Sclerosis type** in Hodgkin lymphoma [1]. **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. 616. [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. 616-618. [3] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Diseases Of The Urinary And Male Genital Tracts, pp. 558-559. [4] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Diseases Of The Urinary And Male Genital Tracts, pp. 559-560. [5] 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. 618.

Q: Helmet cells are characteristic of anemia of?

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). ***Hemolytic uremic syndrome*** - Helmet cells are **fragmented red blood cells** associated with **microangiopathic hemolytic anemia** [1], commonly seen in hemolytic uremic syndrome. - This condition frequently results in **thrombocytopenia** and acute renal failure. *Acanthocytosis* - Acanthocytosis is characterized by **spiky red blood cells** (acanthocytes) rather than helmet cells. - It is commonly associated with **liver disease** and **abetalipoproteinemia**, not hemolytic anemia. *Polysplenia* - Polysplenia is a condition involving multiple spleens but does not typically relate to the **formation of helmet cells**. - It may cause **asplenic complications**, but anemia characteristics do not include helmet cells. *Spherocytosis* - Spherocytosis involves the presence of **spherical red blood cells** rather than fragmented (helmet) cells. - It is associated with **hereditary conditions** like hereditary spherocytosis, which leads to increased hemolysis but not typically to helmet cells. **References:** [1] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Blood And Bone Marrow Disease, pp. 596-597.

Q: What do Döhle bodies represent in neutrophils?

Presence of dilated endoplasmic reticulum in neutrophils. ***Presence of dilated endoplasmic reticulum in neutrophils*** - **Döhle bodies** are inclusions found in the cytoplasm of neutrophils, classic hallmarks of **severe infection** or inflammatory conditions. - They represent remnants of dilated **rough endoplasmic reticulum**, which appears as pale-blue, irregular aggregates on stained blood smears. *Increased mitochondria in neutrophils* - An increase in mitochondria is not a characteristic feature associated with Döhle bodies. - While mitochondria are essential for cellular energy production, their proliferation does not form visible inclusions known as Döhle bodies. *Golgi apparatus proliferation in neutrophils* - Proliferation of the Golgi apparatus is not typically observed as a Döhle body. - The Golgi apparatus is involved in protein modification and packaging, but its changes do not manifest as these specific inclusions. *Lysosomal activity in neutrophils* - Lysosomal activity involves the breakdown of cellular debris and pathogens and is not directly related to the formation of Döhle bodies. - Although lysosomes are abundant in neutrophils, their activity does not result in the presence of Döhle bodies.

Q: Which of the following best describes the shape of Birbeck granules?

Resembling a tennis racket. ***Tennis racket*** [1] - Birbeck granules are distinctive for their **tennis racket shape**, consisting of an elongated area and a bulbous end [1]. - They are typically found in **Langerhans cell histiocytosis** and are associated with **CD1a+** staining [1]. *Bat* - The term "bat" does not accurately describe the structure or morphology of Birbeck granules. - Unlike bats, Birbeck granules have a **specific elongated shape** with a bulbous tip rather than bat wings. *Hockey stick* - This shape implies a straight handle and a flat blade, which does not represent the **widely tapered ends** of Birbeck granules. - The **characteristic morphology** does not align with any hockey stick features. *Ball* - The term "ball" indicates a spherical shape, which is not fitting for Birbeck granules, as they are **elongated** and striated. - Birbeck granules are defined specifically by their **tapered structure**, contrasting markedly with a circular form. **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. 630.

Question 1

All of the following are features of juvenile CML except which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Philadelphia chromosome is positive

Answer

Fetal Hb is increased

Answer

Lymphadenopathy

Answer

Thrombocytopenia

Question 2

The immunoglobulin most commonly involved in Multiple Myeloma is:

Accepted Answer

IgG

Answer

IgM

Answer

IgA

Answer

IgD

Question 3

What is the cell of origin of B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL)?

Accepted Answer

Immature B cells

Answer

T cells

Answer

Immature T cells

Answer

Both T & B cells

Question 4

Starry sky appearance is seen in which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Burkitt's Lymphoma

Answer

Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma

Answer

Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL)

Answer

Follicular Lymphoma

Question 5

What type of anaemia is primarily associated with leukaemia?

Accepted Answer

Myelophthisic anaemia

Answer

Aplastic anaemia

Answer

Iron deficiency anaemia

Answer

Megaloblastic anaemia

Question 6

Which of the following is not typically seen in Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)?

Accepted Answer

Normal aPTT

Answer

Thrombocytopenia

Answer

PT elevation

Answer

Fibrinogen decreased

Question 7

In which type of Hodgkin's Lymphoma are lacunar cells typically observed?

Accepted Answer

Nodular Sclerosis type

Answer

Mixed cellularity type

Answer

Lymphocyte predominant type

Answer

All of the options

Question 8

Helmet cells are characteristic of anemia of?

Accepted Answer

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)

Answer

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)

Answer

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)

Answer

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA)

Question 9

What do Döhle bodies represent in neutrophils?

Accepted Answer

Presence of dilated endoplasmic reticulum in neutrophils

Answer

Increased mitochondria in neutrophils

Answer

Golgi apparatus proliferation in neutrophils

Answer

Lysosomal activity in neutrophils

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the shape of Birbeck granules?

Accepted Answer

Resembling a tennis racket

Answer

Resembling a hockey stick

Answer

Resembling a bat

Answer

Resembling a ball

Hematopathology — MCQs

Hematopathology — MCQs

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