A patient presents with larger-than-normal neutrophils with hypersegmentation, oval macrocytes, and pancytopenia. This could be an indicator of:
A) Pelger-Huët anomaly
B) Myeloproliferative disorder
C) Megaloblastic anemia
D) Infection

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of hypersegmented neutrophils and macrocytes suggests a megaloblastic anemia, possibly due to a deficiency in vitamin B12 or folate. Pancytopenia can also be characteristic of a megaloblastic anemia, as the bone marrow produces fewer and larger cells than normal, leading to a reduction in overall cell numbers. Pelger-Huët anomaly is characterized by hyposegmentation of neutrophils, while myeloproliferative disorders would typically be associated with an increase in cell production, rather than a decrease. Infection can lead to changes in the number and appearance of white blood cells, but would not typically cause macrocytes or pancytopenia.

A Patient Presents with Larger-Than-Normal Neutrophils with Hypersegmentation, Oval Macrocytes