Lymph Nodes and Spleen Flashcards Preview

Haematology Week 3 > Lymph Nodes and Spleen > Flashcards

Flashcards in Lymph Nodes and Spleen Deck (31)
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1
Q

Precursor lymphoid cells which want to become B cells undergo maturation where?

A

Bone marrow

2
Q

Precursor lymphoid cells which want to become T cells undergo maturation where?

A

Thymus

3
Q

What are the two central (primary) components of the lymphoid system?

A

Bone marrow and thymus

4
Q

What are some peripheral (secondary) components of the lymphoid system?

A

Lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils

5
Q

The lymphatics return lymph fluid into the circulation. What are the purposes of this?

A

Important in fluid homeostasis and prevention of oedema

6
Q

What are some lymph node groups that can be palpated?

A

Cervical, axillary and inguinal

7
Q

What are some groups of lymph nodes which can be viewed radiologically?

A

Mediastinal and para-aortic

8
Q

Describe the movement of fluid within lymph vessels?

A

Passive movement of fluid, with valves ensuring unidirectional flow

9
Q

What are the main cell types found in a lymph node?

A

Lymphocytes, macrophages and endothelial cells

10
Q

What are the ways of classifying lymphadenopathy?

A

Localised, widespread or generalised / peripheral or central

11
Q

What are the main causes for lymphadenopathy?

A

Local or systemic inflammation and malignancy

12
Q

Generalised lymphadenopathy suggests what?

A

A systemic inflammatory process or widespread malignancy (mainly leukaemia/lymphoma)

13
Q

What is the best blood test to do if a patient presents with generalised lymphadenopathy?

A

FBC

14
Q

If there is a predominantly B cell immune response in a lymph node, what are some likely causes?

A

Autoimmune conditions, infections

15
Q

If there is a predominantly T cell immune response in a lymph node, what are some likely causes?

A

Viral infections, drugs e.g. phenytoin

16
Q

If there is a predominantly phagocytic immune response in a lymph node, what is a likely cause?

A

Draining a tumour site

17
Q

Sarcoidosis typically presents with what? What is important to be aware of about sarcoid like reactions?

A

Predominantly hilar but also cervical lymphadenopathy / can mask an underlying malignancy

18
Q

Where is the spleen located? Is it usually palpable?

A

In the left upper quadrant / no, not unless it is substantially enlarged

19
Q

Describe the arterial supply to the spleen?

A

The splenic artery, which is a branch of the coeliac axis

20
Q

Describe the venous drainage from the spleen?

A

Via the splenic vein, which combines with the superior mesenteric vein to form the portal vein

21
Q

What is important to be aware about a diseased spleen?

A

It is more prone to rupture

22
Q

What is the function of the red pulp of the spleen?

A

It acts as a filter for the blood - it eliminates unwanted material and facilitates immune responses to blood borne viruses

23
Q

What is the function of the white pulp of the spleen?

A

Antigen presentation to immune reactive cells

24
Q

What are some clinical features of splenic enlargement?

A

Dragging sensation in the LUQ, discomfort with eating, pain if infarction

25
Q

What can cause splenic enlargement?

A

Infection, congestion, haematological/ inflammatory/storage diseases

26
Q

What is the most common cause of hyposplenism? What does this require?

A

Splenectomy / immunisations

27
Q

What are some causes of hyposplenism aside from splenectomy?

A

Coeliac disease, sickle cell disease, sarcoidosis

28
Q

The features of hyposplenism are mainly caused by reduced what? What abnormality may be seen?

A

Red pulp / Howell-Jolly bodies

29
Q

Howell-Jolly bodies are a sign of what?

A

Hyposplenism

30
Q

Hyposplenism due to splenectomy may cause some immune deficiency, especially if what is the case?

A

It was taken out in childhood

31
Q

What is the triad of hypersplenism?

A

Splenomegaly, fall in one or more cellular components of blood, correction of cytopenias by splenectomy