A patient with pernicious anemia has the following indices: mean corpuscular volume (MCV) 100 fL, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) = 31 pg, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) = 33% What might be seen on the peripheral smear?

Question

A patient with pernicious anemia has the following indices: mean corpuscular volume (MCV) >100 fL, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) = 31 pg, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) = 33% What might be seen on the peripheral smear?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Patients with pernicious anemia typically have macrocytic red blood cells (RBCs) due to impaired DNA synthesis and subsequent ineffective erythropoiesis. Codocytes (target cells) may be seen in patients with hemoglobinopathies or liver disease, microcytes may be seen in iron-deficiency anemia, and schistocytes may be seen in hemolytic anemias.

A Patient with Pernicious Anemia Has the Following Indices: Mean