Hematology Practice Questions

Q: Thrombotic event is seen in all of the following except:

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. ***Immune thrombocytopenic purpura*** - This condition primarily results in **thrombocytopenia**, leading to increased bleeding rather than thrombotic events [1][3]. - Patients typically present with **petechiae** and **purpura**, without the thrombotic complications seen in other conditions [1][3]. *Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria* - Characterized by **hemolysis** and a risk of **thrombosis**, particularly in large veins. - Associated with **bone marrow** dysregulation, leading to increased blood viscosity and thrombotic events. *Heparin induced thrombocytopenia* - This condition leads to **thrombocytopenia** and paradoxically **increased thrombosis**, not bleeding. - It is caused by an immune response to heparin, resulting in the activation of platelets. *Disseminated intravascular coagulation* - Involves excessive clotting followed by a risk of bleeding due to **consumption of clotting factors** [1][2]. - Thrombotic events are common, with widespread small thrombi leading to organ dysfunction [2].

Q: Most sensitive and specific test for the diagnosis of iron deficiency is:

Serum ferritin levels. Most sensitive and specific test for the diagnosis of iron deficiency is: ***Serum ferritin levels*** - **Serum ferritin** is the most sensitive and specific test for diagnosing iron deficiency as it directly reflects the body's iron stores [1]. A low serum ferritin level is indicative of depleted iron stores. - However, **ferritin** can be an **acute phase reactant**, meaning it can be elevated during inflammation or infection, potentially masking iron deficiency in such cases. *Serum iron level* - **Serum iron levels** fluctuate throughout the day and are influenced by recent dietary intake, making them less reliable for assessing overall iron status. - It reflects only the iron currently circulating in the blood, not the total body iron stores. *Serum transferrin receptor populations* - **Serum transferrin receptor levels** increase in iron deficiency and are less affected by inflammation compared to ferritin [2]. - While useful, they are generally not as widely available or routinely used as ferritin for initial diagnosis. *Transferrin saturation* - **Transferrin saturation** measures the percentage of transferrin binding sites occupied by iron. - It is often decreased in iron deficiency but can also be affected by other conditions and has lower sensitivity and specificity compared to ferritin.

Q: Diagnosis of beta thalassemia is established by what?

Hb electrophoresis. Hb electrophoresis - Hemoglobin electrophoresis directly measures the relative proportions of different hemoglobin types (HbA, HbA2, HbF), which is crucial for identifying the characteristic reduction in HbA and elevation of HbA2 and HbF in beta thalassemia. [1] - This method provides a definitive diagnostic profile by separating hemoglobin based on their electrical charge and size, allowing for quantification of abnormal hemoglobin variants. [1] *NESTROFT screening test* - The NESTROFT (Naked Eye Single Tube Red cell Osmotic Fragility Test) is a screening tool used to identify individuals with thalassemia traits and is not a definitive diagnostic test. - While useful for mass screening due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, it requires confirmation with more specific tests like hemoglobin electrophoresis. [1] *Hemoglobin A1c test* - The Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test is primarily used to monitor long-term blood glucose control in individuals with diabetes. [2] - It measures the percentage of hemoglobin glycated over a period of 2-3 months and has no direct diagnostic utility for thalassemia. [2] *Presence of target cells in blood smear* - The presence of target cells in a blood smear is a non-specific finding that can be observed in various conditions, including iron deficiency anemia, liver disease, and other hemoglobinopathies, in addition to thalassemia. - While suggestive of a thalassemic disorder, it is not a conclusive diagnostic criterion and requires further investigation with specific diagnostic tests.

Q: Which of the following is not a typical finding in sickle cell anemia?

Splenomegaly usually seen. ***Splenomegaly usually seen*** - In sickle cell anemia, the spleen often becomes **infarcted** due to sickled cells, leading to functional **asplenia** rather than splenomegaly [1]. - **Spleen dysfunction** increases susceptibility to infections, notably from encapsulated organisms [1]. *Enlarged heart* - While **cardiac enlargement** can occur in chronic anemia, it is not a direct and characteristic finding specifically associated with sickle cell anemia. - Other heart findings might include **hypertrophy** due to increased cardiac workload rather than generalized enlargement. *Leukocytosis* - Patients with sickle cell anemia commonly have **leukopenia** due to splenic dysfunction and the sequestration of white blood cells. - Although some acute episodes may cause transient leukocytosis, it is not typical for the disease as a chronic finding. *Fish vertebra* - The term **fish vertebra** refers to the appearance of the spine in conditions like sickle cell anemia due to **vertebral body changes** from infarction. - This feature is associated with the disease [1], contrasting with the correct answer regarding splenomegaly.

Q: Coomb's positive hemolytic anemia is associated with:

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). ***Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)*** - **Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA)**, including cases with a positive Coombs test, is a common hematologic manifestation of **SLE**, occurring in up to 10% of patients [1]. - In SLE-associated AIHA, autoantibodies—often immunoglobulin G (IgG)—attack red blood cell surfaces, leading to their premature destruction and a **positive Coombs test** [1]. *Polyarteritis Nodosa (PAN)* - PAN is a **necrotizing vasculitis** of small and medium-sized arteries, primarily affecting the kidneys, gut, and nerves. - While it can cause anemia of chronic disease or related to gastrointestinal bleeding, it is not typically associated with **Coombs-positive hemolytic anemia**. *Drug-induced hemolytic anemia* - This condition is caused by **certain medications** (e.g., penicillin, methyldopa) that trigger antibody production against red blood cells or modify their surface to be recognized as foreign. - While it results in a positive Coombs test, it is a **drug-specific reaction** and not inherently associated with a systemic autoimmune disease like those listed. *Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP)* - TTP is characterized by a **microangiopathic hemolytic anemia** and **thrombocytopenia**, caused by a deficiency of the ADAMTS13 enzyme. - The hemolysis in TTP is mechanical due to red blood cell fragmentation in tiny clots, resulting in a **negative Coombs test**.

Q: A 60-year-old female with a history of 8 blood transfusions in 2 years, presenting with a hemoglobin level of 60 g/L, total leukocyte count of 5800, platelet count of 3.4 lakhs, mean corpuscular volume of 60, and red blood cell count of 2.11 lakhs/mm3, is diagnosed with hypochromic microcytic anemia. Which investigation is least likely to provide useful information?

Evaluation for pulmonary hemosiderosis. ***Evaluation for pulmonary hemosiderosis*** - This condition involves **iron deposition in the lungs** and is not part of the standard workup for **iron deficiency anemia**. - **Pulmonary hemosiderosis** is a rare condition seen in diseases like Goodpasture syndrome, making it the least relevant investigation here. *Urinary hemosiderin* - Can detect **intravascular hemolysis**, which may be relevant given the patient's transfusion history and ongoing iron deficiency [3]. - Helps identify if **hemolysis** is contributing to iron loss despite multiple transfusions. *Bone marrow examination* - Provides definitive assessment of **iron stores** and can confirm iron deficiency when other tests are inconclusive [3]. - Useful in complex cases where **iron deficiency** persists despite transfusions, indicating massive ongoing blood loss. *GI endoscopy* - Essential for identifying **gastrointestinal bleeding** [2], which could explain iron deficiency despite multiple transfusions. - Helps detect **ulcers**, **tumors**, or other lesions causing chronic blood loss that exceeds iron replacement from transfusions [1], [2].

Q: A patient presents with symptoms including gum hyperplasia and hepatosplenomegaly. Which subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is most likely?

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (M4). ***M4*** - Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) M4, known as **myelomonocytic leukemia**, often presents with **gum infiltration** and **hepatosplenomegaly**, indicating an aggressive disease course [1]. - The presence of monocytes leads to **extramedullary hematopoiesis**, accounting for the enlargement of organs and gum involvement. *ALL* - Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) primarily affects lymphoid tissues and typically presents with **lymphadenopathy** and **bone pain**, rather than gum infiltration. - **Hepatosplenomegaly** can occur but is not a primary feature as seen in M4. *M3* - Acute promyelocytic leukemia (M3) is characterized by the presence of **promyelocytes** and is associated with a distinct clinical spectrum, primarily related to **coagulopathy** and not gum infiltration. - While it may present with **hematological abnormalities**, gum infiltration is not a common finding. *M2* - AML M2 is classified as **acute myeloblastic leukemia** and has less frequent **gum infiltration** compared to M4 [1]. - It can also cause **hepatosplenomegaly**, but this is more common in other variants like M4 with its characteristic features.

Q: Haemoglobin F is raised in which condition?

Juvenile chronic myeloid leukemia. ***Juvenile chronic myeloid leukemia*** - This condition is characterized by a high proportion of **fetal hemoglobin (HbF)**, often exceeding 50%, alongside other typical myeloproliferative features. - The elevated HbF is a distinguishing feature of **juvenile CML** from adult CML, which typically presents with normal or only slightly elevated HbF levels. *Beta-thalassemia major* - While patients with **beta-thalassemia major** can have elevated HbF, it is typically in response to a severe deficiency in beta-globin chain production, leading to compensatory gamma-chain synthesis. - However, the primary genetic defect lies in the beta-globin genes, and the HbF increase is usually not as universally high or definitive as in HPFH or juvenile CML. *Sickle cell disease* - Patients with **sickle cell disease** can have variable levels of HbF, and higher levels are associated with a milder disease course [1]. - HbF acts as a protective factor by inhibiting hemoglobin S polymerization, but the presence of high HbF is not a diagnostic marker in the same way it is for HPFH or juvenile CML [1]. *Hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH)* - This is a benign condition characterized by the **continued production of high levels of HbF into adulthood** due to genetic mutations that prevent the normal developmental switch from gamma-globin to beta-globin synthesis. - While it features significantly raised HbF, HPFH is typically **asymptomatic** and does not present with the myeloproliferative features seen in juvenile CML.

Q: Which of the following is a poor prognostic feature of Hodgkin lymphoma?

Albumin level 10.5 gm/dl* - A **haemoglobin level > 10.5 g/dl** is considered a **favorable prognostic factor** in Hodgkin lymphoma, indicating less severe disease or bone marrow involvement. - An **anaemia** (Hb 15,000/mm3* is associated with a poorer prognosis. *Absolute lymphocyte count > 600/ul* - An **absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) > 600/ul** (or > 8% of the total WBC count) is typically considered a **favorable prognostic factor** in Hodgkin lymphoma. - **Lymphopenia** (ALC < 600/ul) is a significant **poor prognostic indicator**, reflecting impaired immune function. [1]

Question 1

Thrombotic event is seen in all of the following except:

Accepted Answer

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

Answer

Heparin induced thrombocytopenia

Answer

Disseminated intravascular coagulation

Answer

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria

Question 2

Most sensitive and specific test for the diagnosis of iron deficiency is:

Accepted Answer

Serum ferritin levels

Answer

Serum iron level

Answer

Serum transferrin receptor populations

Answer

Transferrin saturation

Question 3

Diagnosis of beta thalassemia is established by what?

Accepted Answer

Hb electrophoresis

Answer

NESTROFT screening test

Answer

Hemoglobin A1c test

Answer

Presence of target cells in blood smear

Question 4

Which of the following is not a typical finding in sickle cell anemia?

Accepted Answer

Splenomegaly usually seen

Answer

Enlarged heart

Answer

Leukocytosis

Answer

Fish vertebra

Question 5

Coomb's positive hemolytic anemia is associated with:

Accepted Answer

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Answer

Drug-induced hemolytic anemia

Answer

Polyarteritis Nodosa (PAN)

Answer

Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP)

Question 6

A 60-year-old female with a history of 8 blood transfusions in 2 years, presenting with a hemoglobin level of 60 g/L, total leukocyte count of 5800, platelet count of 3.4 lakhs, mean corpuscular volume of 60, and red blood cell count of 2.11 lakhs/mm3, is diagnosed with hypochromic microcytic anemia. Which investigation is least likely to provide useful information?

Accepted Answer

Evaluation for pulmonary hemosiderosis

Answer

Bone marrow examination

Answer

GI endoscopy

Answer

Urinary hemosiderin

Question 7

A patient presents with symptoms including gum hyperplasia and hepatosplenomegaly. Which subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (M4)

Answer

Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (M3)

Answer

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (M2)

Answer

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (M1)

Question 8

Haemoglobin F is raised in which condition?

Accepted Answer

Juvenile chronic myeloid leukemia

Answer

Hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH)

Answer

Beta-thalassemia major

Answer

Sickle cell disease

Question 9

Which of the following statements is MOST accurate regarding acute Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)?

Accepted Answer

Most children with acute ITP recover without developing chronic issues.

Answer

Viral infections can trigger acute ITP.

Answer

Diagnosis of acute ITP is based on clinical findings and exclusion of other causes.

Answer

Acute ITP is more common in children than in adults.

Question 10

Which of the following is a poor prognostic feature of Hodgkin lymphoma?

Accepted Answer

Albumin level < 4 g/dL

Answer

WBC count < 15000/mm3

Answer

Haemoglobin > 10.5 gm/dl

Answer

Absolute lymphocyte count > 600/ul

Hematology — MCQs

Hematology — MCQs

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