Hematology — MCQs
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Gaisbock syndrome is known as:
Chronic hemolytic anaemia is associated with which of the following -
What is the main contraindication for performing a liver biopsy?
In cobalamin deficiency which is not seen
Therapeutic phlebotomy is not done in which of the following conditions?
Which of the following is not a characteristic of Zieve syndrome?
Thrombocythemia is characterized by an elevated platelet count.
Which of the following statements about CNS leukemia is false?
Which of the following statements about sickle cell disease is true?
Which of the following findings is diagnostic of iron deficiency anemia?
Hematology Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 1071: Gaisbock syndrome is known as:
- A. Primary Familial Polycythemia
- B. High Altitude Erythrocytosis
- C. Spurious Polycythemia (Correct Answer)
- D. Polycythemia Vera
Explanation: ***Spurious Polycythemia*** - Gaisbock syndrome is characterized by an increase in **red blood cells** due to **dehydration** and is a form of **spurious or relative polycythemia** [1]. - It typically occurs in individuals with **high hematocrit levels** without true pathological erythrocytosis [1]. *High Altitude Erythrocytosis* - This condition is caused by **hypoxia** at high altitudes leading to increased **erythropoietin**, resulting in genuine **erythrocytosis** [2]. - Unlike Gaisbock syndrome, it reflects a true physiological response to reduced oxygen levels [2]. *Polycythemia Vera* - Polycythemia vera is a **myeloproliferative disorder** characterized by increased red blood cell mass due to intrinsic bone marrow changes. - It entails elevated **erythropoietin** levels and features such as **splenomegaly** and other cytogenetic changes, which are not present in Gaisbock syndrome [1][3]. *Primary Familial Polycythemia* - This hereditary condition results in increased red blood cells due to genetic mutations leading to overproduction of erythrocytes. - It is distinct from Gaisbock syndrome as it typically manifests from genetic predisposition rather than environmental factors such as dehydration.
Question 1072: Chronic hemolytic anaemia is associated with which of the following -
- A. Brown Pigment stone of the gall bladder
- B. Black Pigment stone of the gall bladder (Correct Answer)
- C. Uric acid Renal Calculus
- D. Intestinal Obstruction
Explanation: ***Black Pigment stone of the gall bladder*** - Chronic hemolytic anemia leads to increased **bilirubin**, particularly unconjugated bilirubin, which can result in the formation of **black pigment stones** [1]. - These stones are associated with conditions causing **excess bilirubin production**, such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia. *Brown Pigment stone of the gall bladder* - Brown pigment stones are primarily associated with **infection** and **biliary tract disorders**, not directly with chronic hemolytic anemia. - They are mainly composed of **calcium bilirubinate**, which arises in cases of **bacterial infections** or parasitic infestations. *Intestinal Obstruction* - While hemolytic anemia can have various complications, it is **not directly linked with intestinal obstruction**. - Obstruction typically arises from **mechanical causes** such as adhesions, tumors, or hernias, rather than from hemolytic processes. *Uric acid Renal Calculus* - Uric acid stones are formed due to conditions leading to **hyperuricemia** and are not a primary consequence of chronic hemolytic anemia. - They are often associated with **gout** and **certain metabolic disorders**, rather than hemolytic processes.
Question 1073: What is the main contraindication for performing a liver biopsy?
- A. Severe thrombocytopenia
- B. Liver hemangioma
- C. Presence of ascites
- D. Severe coagulopathy (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Severe coagulopathy*** - **Severe coagulopathy** is the main contraindication for liver biopsy due to a significantly increased risk of **hemorrhage** [1]. - A **prothrombin time (PT)** or **activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)** significantly prolonged beyond the normal range, or an **INR > 1.5**, should be corrected before the procedure [1]. *Severe thrombocytopenia* - While **thrombocytopenia** (platelet count <50,000/µL) does increase bleeding risk, it is often correctable with a **platelet transfusion** prior to biopsy, making it a relative rather than an absolute contraindication [1]. - The risk of major bleeding is typically lower with isolated thrombocytopenia compared to severe coagulopathy. *Liver hemangioma* - The presence of a **liver hemangioma** at the biopsy site is a contraindication as biopsying it can lead to massive hemorrhage. - However, if the biopsy can be performed safely away from the hemangioma, it is not an absolute contraindication to the procedure itself. *Presence of ascites* - **Ascites** can complicate a liver biopsy by increasing the risk of **peritoneal bleeding** and difficulty in targeting the liver [1]. - However, it is often manageable by draining the ascites or using imaging guidance, making it a relative contraindication rather than an absolute one [1].
Question 1074: In cobalamin deficiency which is not seen
- A. Loss of proprioception
- B. Rhomberg sign
- C. Microcytic anemia (Correct Answer)
- D. Long tract signs
Explanation: Microcytic anemia - Cobalamin deficiency typically leads to macrocytic anemia due to impaired DNA synthesis, not microcytic anemia [1]. - Microcytic anemia is usually associated with iron deficiency, thalassemia, or anemia of chronic disease [1]. Long tract signs - Long tract signs are common in cobalamin deficiency due to posterior column and corticospinal tract involvement leading to symptoms like spasticity. - They indicate involvement of pathways that are affected by vitamin B12 deficiency. Loss of proprioception - Loss of proprioception can occur in cobalamin deficiency due to damage to the dorsal columns of the spinal cord. - It is a common clinical finding indicating the involvement of sensory pathways. Rhomberg sign - A positive Rhomberg sign indicates impaired proprioception, which can happen in cobalamin deficiency. - It reflects difficulty maintaining balance, emphasizing sensory dysfunction associated with the deficiency.
Question 1075: Therapeutic phlebotomy is not done in which of the following conditions?
- A. CML (Correct Answer)
- B. Polycythemia vera
- C. Hemochromatosis
- D. Porphyria cutanea tarda
Explanation: CML - **Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)** is typically treated with targeted therapies like **Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors** (e.g., Imatinib), not phlebotomy [1]. - Therapeutic phlebotomy is ineffective in managing the **hypercellularity** or symptoms associated with this condition compared to other conditions [1]. *Polycythemia vera* - Therapeutic phlebotomy is a key treatment in **Polycythemia vera** to reduce **hyperviscosity** symptoms. - This condition features increased red blood cell mass, which is directly addressed by phlebotomy. *Hemochromatosis* - In **Hemochromatosis**, phlebotomy is employed to lower **iron overload** by removing excess iron from the body. - This reduces the risk of complications such as **liver cirrhosis** and **diabetes** associated with iron excess. *Porphyria cutanea tarda* - Therapeutic phlebotomy is sometimes used in cases of **Porphyria cutanea tarda** to manage iron levels as a potential precipitating factor [2]. - It helps alleviate symptoms and prevent complications associated with **photosensitivity** and skin lesions [2].
Question 1076: Which of the following is not a characteristic of Zieve syndrome?
- A. Alcohol abuse
- B. Chronic pancreatitis (Correct Answer)
- C. Hemolysis
- D. Hypertriglyceridemia
Explanation: ***Chronic pancreatitis*** - **Zieve syndrome** is an acute, not chronic, condition, and its primary feature is not chronic pancreatic inflammation, though severe alcohol use can cause both. - While **alcohol abuse** is a risk factor for both Zieve syndrome and chronic pancreatitis, **chronic pancreatitis** itself is not considered a characteristic component of Zieve syndrome [1]. *Alcohol abuse* - **Alcohol abuse** is the underlying cause for the development of Zieve syndrome, leading to the characteristic triad of hemolytic anemia, hyperlipidemia, and jaundice. - It triggers the **liver damage** and metabolic disturbances that define the syndrome. *Hemolysis* - **Hemolysis** (destruction of red blood cells) is a key feature of Zieve syndrome, leading to **hemolytic anemia** and jaundice. - It results from increased red blood cell fragility and splenic sequestration exacerbated by altered lipid metabolism. *Hypertriglyceridemia* - **Hypertriglyceridemia** is a hallmark of Zieve syndrome, arising from impaired lipid metabolism secondary to alcohol-induced liver damage. - Elevated **triglyceride levels** contribute to red blood cell membrane abnormalities, thereby promoting hemolysis.
Question 1077: Thrombocythemia is characterized by an elevated platelet count.
- A. Low platelets
- B. Neutrophilia
- C. Monocytosis
- D. Elevated platelet count (Correct Answer)
Explanation: Elevated platelet count - Thrombocythemia is a condition specifically defined by an abnormally high number of platelets (thrombocytes) in the blood [2]. - This elevated count can lead to issues with both bleeding and clotting [2]. Low platelets - Low platelets, also known as thrombocytopenia, is the opposite of thrombocythemia [1]. - This condition is associated with an increased risk of bleeding [1]. Neutrophilia - Neutrophilia refers to an elevated count of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, which is typically seen in bacterial infections. - It does not directly describe the platelet count. Monocytosis - Monocytosis indicates an increase in monocytes, another type of white blood cell, often seen in chronic infections or inflammatory conditions. - This term is unrelated to platelet levels.
Question 1078: Which of the following statements about CNS leukemia is false?
- A. Intrathecal methotrexate is given
- B. Seen with acute myeloid leukemia
- C. CNS irradiation is given
- D. Single blast in CSF is sufficient for diagnosis (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Seen with acute myeloid leukemia*** - CNS involvement is typically not a common feature of **acute myeloid leukemia (AML)**; it's more associated with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) [1]. - While leukemia can affect the CNS, **AML is not predominantly known** for this complication compared to ALL . *Single blast in CSF is sufficient for diagnosis* - A **single blast** in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) does **not establish a definitive diagnosis** of CNS leukemia; multiple blasts are typically required. - Diagnosis involves considering clinical symptoms, laboratory findings, and often requires **a combination of findings** to confirm CNS involvement. *Intrathecal methotrexate is given* - **Intrathecal methotrexate** is used for treatment of CNS leukemia; however, this statement is true and does not meet the 'except' criteria. - It is a common practice to deliver chemotherapy directly to the CNS to combat leukemia effectively. *CNS irradiation is given* - CNS irradiation can be used as a treatment modality in certain instances of leukemia; thus, this statement is also true. - It is part of the therapeutic strategies for managing CNS involvement but is not universally applied for all cases.
Question 1079: Which of the following statements about sickle cell disease is true?
- A. Sickling is completely reversible with oxygenation, making it clinically insignificant.
- B. Sickling leads to a significant increase in overall MCHC levels in the blood.
- C. Fetal hemoglobin inhibits sickling. (Correct Answer)
- D. Sickling occurs exclusively in the homozygous state and never in the heterozygous state.
Explanation: ***Sickling is reversible with oxygenation*** - When oxygen tension is restored, hemoglobin S can re-hydrate and revert to its normal shape, reducing sickling. - This reversible process is essential for managing episodes of vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell disease. *Fetal hemoglobin facilitates Sickling* - Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) actually inhibits sickling by stabilizing the erythrocyte shape and reducing the proportion of hemoglobin S [1]. - Individuals with higher levels of HbF experience fewer sickling-related complications [1]. *Sickling occurs both in heterozygous and homozygous state* - Sickling primarily occurs in the homozygous state (HbSS); heterozygotes (HbAS) usually do not experience significant sickling effects [1]. - Heterozygous individuals may have a selective advantage against malaria, but they are not prone to sickle cell crises. *Sickling Leads to decreased MCHC* - Sickling does not directly lead to decreased mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC); MCHC is typically normal in sickle cell patients. - In fact, sickle cell disease often results in hemolysis and can lead to increased MCHC in some cases.
Question 1080: Which of the following findings is diagnostic of iron deficiency anemia?
- A. Increased TIBC, decreased serum ferritin (Correct Answer)
- B. Decreased TIBC, decreased serum ferritin
- C. Increased TIBC, increased serum ferritin
- D. Decreased TIBC, increased serum ferritin
Explanation: ***Increased TIBC, decreased serum ferritin*** - **Iron deficiency anemia** is characterized by depleted iron stores, leading to a **decreased serum ferritin** level, which is the most sensitive and specific marker for iron deficiency [4]. - In response to low iron stores, the body upregulates iron absorption and transport mechanisms, resulting in an **increased Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC)**, as there are more transferrin molecules available to bind iron [1]. *Decreased TIBC, decreased serum ferritin* - While a **decreased serum ferritin** is consistent with iron deficiency, a **decreased TIBC** is more indicative of **anemia of chronic disease** [1], where the body sequesters iron, leading to reduced iron availability for binding. - In **anemia of chronic disease**, both ferritin (an acute phase reactant) and TIBC can be reduced due to the inflammatory state [1], [2]. *Increased TIBC, increased serum ferritin* - An **increased TIBC** is seen in iron deficiency, but an **increased serum ferritin** indicates adequate or even **overloaded iron stores**, which contradicts the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia. - High ferritin levels can be seen in conditions like **hemochromatosis** (iron overload) or **inflammation**, where ferritin acts as an acute phase reactant [5]. *Decreased TIBC, increased serum ferritin* - This combination is typical of **anemia of chronic disease**, where inflammation causes **increased serum ferritin** (as an acute phase reactant) and a **decreased TIBC** due to reduced production of transferrin [1]. - In this type of anemia, iron is often trapped within macrophages, making it unavailable for erythropoiesis despite seemingly normal or elevated stores [3].
Practice by Chapter
Anemia Evaluation and Management
Practice Questions
Hemoglobinopathies
Practice Questions
Thalassemias
Practice Questions
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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