This document provides an overview of the lymphatic/hematopoetic system, including lymph node examination, signs of lymphadenopathy, and the spleen. It also discusses signs and symptoms of anemia, including those related to blood loss, hemolysis, deficiencies, and decreased production. Finally, it covers signs and symptoms of bleeding and coagulation disorders, distinguishing between those seen with low platelets versus coagulation factors. The key signs and symptoms are painless enlarged lymph nodes, fatigue, weakness, and bleeding or bruising.

1. Lymphatic/Hematopoetic System
Website: http://ivmsicm.blogspot.com/
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2. Lymphatic / Hematopoetic System
Marc Imhotep Cray, M.D.
Companion Online Folder:
IVMS-Physical Diagnosis Notes and Reference Resources

3. Objectives
Student should be able to …
• describe location, size, consistency, and other
attributes of lymphadenopathy
• identify common clinical scenarios involving
lymphadenopathy
• identify the signs and symptoms of anemia
• define the signs and symptoms of bleeding and
coagulation disorders
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4. Overview
• This is a short lecture!
• A major goal is to synthesize the lymphatic
system as a whole…lymph node regions have
been discussed individually by specific
site…i.e., head, neck, and abdomen, but not
put together for systemic illness such as
lymphoma.
• We will also discuss the signs and symptoms
of anemias, leukemias, bleeding disorders,
and coagulation disorders
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5. Lymphatic
System
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6. Lymph Node Examination
• Head/neck
• Axillary
• Inguinal/femoral
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7. Head and
Neck Nodes
• Preauricular
• Posterior auricular
• Occipital
• Tonsillar
• Submandibular
• Submental
• Superficial cervical
• Posterior cervical
• Deep cervical
• Supraclavicular
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8. Axillary
• A pectoral (anterior)
• L lateral
• P posterior
• C central
• Ap apical
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9. Inguinal/
Femoral
• Horizontal
group
• Vertical group
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10. Descriptors of
Lymphadenopathy
• Location…obvious
• Mobility
• Size
• Texture
• Shape
• Tender/non-tender
• Associated erythema or warmth…signs of
inflammation
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11. Spleen
• Left upper quadrant
• Palpation most specific for detecting enlarged
spleen (89-99% specificity)
• Spleen palpable to umbilicus is suggestive of
hematologic pathology
• Percussion is non-sensitive (dullness in
Traube’s space) but can be specific in non-
obese patients
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12. Case
• 28 yo man presents with c/o fevers, night
sweats and 30 pound weight loss. He develops
pruritis when he showers. He also has noted
some enlarged “glands” in his neck and
armpits. On lymphatic exam he has the
following:
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13. Case
• painless lymphadenopathy in anterior axilla
and anterior cervical as well as supraclavicular
areas bilaterally.
• Lymph nodes are not tender, freely mobile and
no associated inflammation. They are ovoid
(grape-shaped) and measure 2 x 3 cm. There
is no splenomegaly by palpation or percussion.
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14. Differential Diagnosis
• Lymphoma
• Infection
• Cancer—metastatic
• Granulomatous disease
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15. Anemia- Signs/Symptoms
– Dyspnea on – Syncope
exertion – anorexia
– Palpitations – Dizziness/vertigo
– Nausea
– Angina pectoris
– Cold intolerance
– Intermittent
– Amenorrhea
claudication
– Decrease
– Headache libido/impotence
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16. Anemia
• Blood loss
• Hemolysis/sequestration
• Deficiencies
• Decreased production
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17. Symptoms
• Symptoms based on acuity of HgB drop
– Acute blood loss usually creates rapid onset of
symptoms
– Slow drop in HgB may lead to fewer symptoms
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18. Anemia of Acute Blood Loss
• Trauma or GI tract loss most common
• Menstrual/vaginal loss
• Urinary tract
• Nosebleeds leading to anemia, but not because
of it!
• Tachycardia and hypotension are common
findings
• History helps the most for these
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19. Hemolysis and Sequestration
• Causes for hemolytic anemias include:
– Autoimmune
– Drug induced
– Cell membrane disorders
– Hereditary
• Splenomegaly can lead to sequestration of
blood cells
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20. Scleral Icterus
• Yellow sclera
• Can be seen in
hemolysis
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21. Deficiencies
• Iron deficiency anemia is most common
worldwide and in US-spoon nails and pica
• Megaloblastic anemias caused by B12 or
folate deficiencies-paresthesias and diarrhea
• Smooth tongue/glossitis
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22. Koilonychia (spoon nails)
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23. Smooth Tongue/Glossitis
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24. Signs and Symptoms of
Coagulation Disorders
• Bleeding
• Ecchymoses
• Petechiae
• Hemarthroses
• Hematomas
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25. Platelets versus Coags
• Petechiae—platelets low or dysfunctional
• Ecchymoses, hematomas, hemarthroses—seen
more frequently with low clotting factors or
dysfunction
• Bleeding can be seen with either
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26. Petechiae
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27. Purpura
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28. Hemarthrosis
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29. Hematoma
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30. Ecchymosis
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