In megaloblastic anemia, the cells are:
Correct Answer: Macrocytic normochromic
Description: Megaloblastic Anemia
The blood film can point towards vitamin deficiency:
Decreased red blood cell (RBC) count and hemoglobin levels.
Increased mean corpuscular volume (MCV >100 fL) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH).
Normal mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHM = 32-36 g/dL).
Decreased reticulocyte count due to destruction of fragile and abnormal megaloblastic erythroid precursor.
The platelet count may be reduced.
Neutrophil granulocytes may show multisegmented nuclei ("senile neutrophil”). This is thought to be due to decreased production and a compensatory prolonged lifespan for circulating neutrophils, which increase the numbers of nuclear segments with age.
Anisocytosis (increased variation in RBC size) and poikilocytosis (abnormally shaped RBCs).
Macrocytes (larger than normal RBCs) are present.
Ovalocytes (oval-shaped RBCs) are present.
Howell-Jolly bodies (chromosomal remnant) also present.
Category:
Pathology
Get More
Subject Mock Tests
Practice with over 200,000 questions from various medical subjects and improve your knowledge.
Attempt a mock test nowMock Exam
Take an exam with 100 random questions selected from all subjects to test your knowledge.
Coming SoonGet More
Subject Mock Tests
Try practicing mock tests with over 200,000 questions from various medical subjects.
Attempt a mock test now