Haematology

Question 1

The presence of anaemia, thrombocytopaemia, increased IgG, and a monoclonal band on serum
protein electrophoresis suggests a diagnosis of?

Answer 1

Multiple myeloma

Question 2

A 68 year old woman presents with increasing confusion, abdominal pain with distension, nausea, and lab diagnosis of multiple myeloma. What other investigation is expected to be abnormal?

Answer 2

Calcium levels are expected to be elevated.

This is due to increased osteoclastic activity resulting in bone resorption caused by specific cytokines locally expressed/released by myeloma cells.

Question 3

71 year old man presents with symptoms of DVT and splenomegaly. Elevated HB, WBC, and platelets. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Answer 3

Primary polycythaemia.

Question 4

A bone marrow biopsy shows a reduction of haematopoietic cells and trephine biopsy shows fatty marrow. What is the diagnosis?

Answer 4

Aplastic anaemia