MM260112: Post splenectomy changes
The patient is missing their spleen. In addition to the underlying HbE/β-thalassaemia, the film showed classic “post-splenectomy” features that occur when the body’s primary “quality control” filter is removed.
Morphology Monday | Case MM260112
The blood film images are from a transfusion dependent patient who is a compound heterozygote for HbE/beta-thalassaemia.
MM260105: Prolymphocytes in CLL
Don’t let a nucleolus default you to “Blast”: Always assess the chromatin density.
Morphology Monday | Case MM260105
62 year old patient presented to ED. Her FBC showed an increased white cell population with the analyser unable to differentiate them properly. The BMS reported them as blasts. Was this correct?
MM251201: Stomatocytes
A blood film was prepared for review, and the key morphological feature for participants to identify was a stomatocyte.
Morphology Monday | Case MM251201
This week’s case comes from a 46 year old male who presented to his GP with no significant past medical history, does not take regular medications, and reports no recent infections. He drinks alcohol socially but not excessively.
MM251117: Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)
These features are classical for CLL. The combination of a markedly elevated lymphocyte count, characteristic morphology, and a supporting clinical picture strongly points to chronic lymphocytic leukaemia as the final diagnosis.
Morphology Monday | Case MM251117
This week’s case comes from an 84-year-old male who was referred to the haematology team after routine blood tests showed a markedly raised white cell count. Clinically, he reported several weeks of general fatigue but no acute symptoms. He was otherwise well and presented via his GP.
MM251110: May-Hegglin anomaly
These features are characteristic of May–Hegglin anomaly, one of the MYH9-related disorders. This group of rare inherited conditions presents with thrombocytopenia and large platelets, sometimes accompanied by hearing loss, renal abnormalities, or cataracts.
Morphology Monday | Case MM251110
A 28-year-old female was referred to haematology after routine pre-operative blood tests revealed abnormalities on the full blood count. She reports occasional easy bruising but no significant bleeding history. There’s no recent infection, and she is otherwise well.