Dr. Jeffrey Kalei

Dr. Jeffrey Kalei

Author and illustrator for Hyperexcision. Interested in emergency room medicine. I have a passion for medical education and drawing.

Plasma Cell Dyscrasias

Bone marrow biopsy showing numerous plasma cells

Overview Plasma cell disorders involve the abnormal proliferation of plasma cells. These B-cell clones synthesize and secrete a single monoclonal immunoglobulin or its fragments e.g. free light chains, and free heavy chains. These monoclonal immunoglobulins are termed M proteins and…

Lymphomas

Diffuse Large B-cell lymphoma

Overview Lymphomas are tumors arising from lymphoid cells. They have a much less dramatic presentation than leukemias. They are classified into 2 major groups – Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s – based on morphology and immunophenotype. 2/3 of lymphoma present with Lymphadenopathy.…

Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Howel-jolly bodies

Myelodysplastic syndromes are characterized by dysplastic and ineffective hematopoiesis – bone marrow failure**.** It is sometimes described as “pre-leukemic” since there is a risk of transformation into acute leukemia (30%). In MDS, there is varied anemia, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia. Hence…

Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

Blood film showing numerous granulocytic forms, including band cells and immature myeloid cells

Overview Myeloproliferative neoplasms are abnormal proliferations of one or more terminal myeloid cell lines in the peripheral blood (RBCs, WBCs, platelets). Myeloproliferative neoplasms are poorly characterized and poorly undersood. They all cause a predilection to extramedullary hematopoiesis, myelofibrosis, and transformation…