A patient's laboratory tests show an increased LDH, a decreased haptoglobin, schistocytes, spherocytes, and polychromasia on the peripheral blood smear.Physical exam revealed splenomegaly.Excessive destruction of erythrocytes may be occurring in the:

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The presence of schistocytes, spherocytes, and polychromasia on the peripheral blood smear, as well as the decreased haptoglobin and splenomegaly, suggest that excessive destruction of erythrocytes is occurring in the spleen. This is also known as hemolytic anemia. Increased LDH levels are a result of the breakdown of erythrocytes. Blood vessel, marrow, and lymph node destruction of erythrocytes are much less common causes of hemolytic anemia.

A Patient's Laboratory Tests Show an Increased LDH, a Decreased