**Core Concept**
The patient's presentation suggests a macrocytic anemia with elevated MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume), which can be caused by deficiencies in either vitamin B12 or folate. However, serum folate and vitamin B12 levels can be misleading due to various factors like dietary intake, storage diseases, or assay variability.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The patient's elevated MCV and normal serum folate level, along with a vitamin B12 level that is not critically low, initially suggests a folate deficiency. However, the serum iron level is within the normal range, which makes iron deficiency anemia less likely. The elevated MCV is a key indicator of macrocytosis, which can be caused by impaired DNA synthesis due to a deficiency in either folate or vitamin B12. Given the normal serum vitamin B12 level, the most likely diagnosis is a folate deficiency, which is consistent with the elevated serum folate level being a poor indicator of tissue folate stores.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is not provided, so it cannot be evaluated.
**Option B:** This option is not provided, so it cannot be evaluated.
**Option C:** This option is not provided, so it cannot be evaluated.
**Option D:** This option is not provided, so it cannot be evaluated.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
When evaluating macrocytic anemia, remember that serum folate and vitamin B12 levels can be misleading due to various factors, and the diagnosis should be based on the clinical presentation and laboratory findings, including the MCV and reticulocyte count.
**Correct Answer:** A. Folate deficiency
Free Medical MCQs Β· NEET PG Β· USMLE Β· AIIMS
Access thousands of free MCQs, ebooks and daily exams.
By signing in you agree to our Privacy Policy.