An 82-year-old man presents with fatigue and pallor. His hemoglobin is 7.8, hematocrit is 23.1, leukocyte count is 1,750, and platelet count is 68,000. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The combination of a low hemoglobin, hematocrit and platelet count with a low leukocyte count suggests aplastic anemia, a condition where the bone marrow fails to produce enough blood cells. Blood loss anemia would not present with such a low platelet count. Pernicious anemia would present with a low hemoglobin and hematocrit but not a low platelet count. Hemolytic anemia and sickle cell anemia would not present with such a low leukocyte count.

An 82-Year-Old Man Presents with Fatigue and Pallor