Hematopathology Practice Questions

Q: Popcorn cells are characteristic of which type of Hodgkin's lymphoma?

Lymphocyte predominance. **Explanation:** **Popcorn cells** (also known as **L&H cells** – Lymphocytic and Histiocytic variants) are the hallmark diagnostic feature of **Nodular Lymphocyte Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma (NLPHL)** [1]. Unlike the classic Reed-Sternberg (RS) cells, these cells have a multi-lobed, folded nucleus resembling a kernel of popped corn, with inconspicuous nucleoli and a B-cell phenotype (CD20+, CD45+, but CD15- and CD30-) [1][2]. **Analysis of Options:** * **Nodular Sclerosis (Option A):** Characterized by **Lacunar cells** (RS cells sitting in empty spaces due to formalin fixation) and broad bands of collagen fibrosis [2]. It is the most common subtype. * **Mixed Cellularity (Option B):** Characterized by **classic "Owl-eye" RS cells** (CD15+, CD30+) in a polymorphic background of eosinophils, plasma cells, and histiocytes [2]. Often associated with EBV. * **Lymphocyte Depletion (Option D):** The rarest and most aggressive form, showing numerous **pleomorphic/anaplastic RS cells** with very few background lymphocytes. **High-Yield Pearls for NEET-PG:** 1. **Immunophenotype:** Popcorn cells are **CD20+ and CD45+**, whereas Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma (CHL) cells are **CD15+ and CD30+**. 2. **Clinical Course:** NLPHL usually presents as localized peripheral lymphadenopathy (cervical/axillary) and has an excellent prognosis, though it can transform into Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) [1]. 3. **Background:** In NLPHL, the background consists predominantly of small B-lymphocytes arranged in a nodular pattern, unlike the T-cell rich background of CHL [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. 618. [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, p. 616.

Question 1

Popcorn cells are characteristic of which type of Hodgkin's lymphoma?

Accepted Answer

Lymphocyte predominance

Answer

Nodular sclerosis

Answer

Mixed cellularity

Answer

Lymphocyte depletion

Question 2

What is a cause of Vitamin B12 deficiency megaloblastic anemia?

Accepted Answer

Fish tapeworm infestation

Answer

Dilantin therapy

Answer

Gastrectomy

Answer

Ileal resection

Question 3

Which of the following conditions is characterized by a deficiency in Gp?

Accepted Answer

Glanzmann's thrombasthenia

Answer

Bernard-Soulier syndrome

Answer

Platelet storage pool disorders

Answer

Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa deficiency

Question 4

Oral anticoagulants are monitored by which laboratory test?

Accepted Answer

Prothrombin time (PT)

Answer

Bleeding time (BT)

Answer

Coagulation time (CT)

Answer

Partial thromboplastin time (PTT)

Question 5

Which of the following statements regarding Leukocyte Alkaline Phosphatase (LAP) is true?

Accepted Answer

All of the above.

Answer

It is a screening test used to distinguish Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) from other Myeloproliferative Disorders.

Answer

LAP levels increase in all Myeloproliferative Disorders except CML.

Answer

LAP levels increase in Polycythemia Vera.

Question 6

What is the most common tumor of the spleen?

Accepted Answer

Lymphoma

Answer

Sarcoma

Answer

Hemangioma

Answer

Metastasis

Question 7

Acid phosphatase cytochemical staining is used in the diagnosis of which of the following hematological neoplasms?

Accepted Answer

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Answer

Chronic myeloid leukemia

Answer

Acute myeloid leukemia

Answer

B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Question 8

Chronic granulocytic leukemia is due to which of the following chromosomal abnormalities?

Accepted Answer

Chromosomal translocation

Answer

Chromosomal deletion

Answer

Chromosomal mutation

Answer

None of the above

Question 9

Which of the following is pathognomonic of thalassemia major?

Accepted Answer

Raised HbF

Answer

Conjugated hyperbilirubinemia

Answer

Raised HbA2

Answer

Severe anemia

Question 10

All of the following statements regarding Sickle Cell Anemia are true EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Adults, but not children, with sickle cell disease are functionally asplenic, making them susceptible to infections caused by encapsulated bacteria, such as pneumococci.

Answer

The shift from HbF to HbS occurs due to point mutation.

Answer

Microvascular occlusion is a severe complication of Sickle Cell Anemia.

Answer

Deoxygenation of RBCs can lead to extensive membrane damage.

Hematopathology — MCQs

Hematopathology — MCQs

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