Anatomy of Hematologic System Related

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The mean cell volume of the patient is 90 fl and the reticulocyte production index is low. Which of the following is the most possible cause of anemia in this patient?

  • A. Thalassemia
  • B. Vitamin B12 deficiency
  • C. Aplastic anemia
  • D. Sideroblastic anemia
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: A low reticulocyte production index indicates decreased bone marrow response to anemia. Aplastic anemia is characterized by bone marrow failure leading to pancytopenia, causing anemia. Thalassemia results in microcytic anemia, not macrocytic. Vitamin B12 deficiency causes macrocytic anemia due to impaired DNA synthesis. Sideroblastic anemia leads to microcytic anemia due to defective heme synthesis. Therefore, the most likely cause of anemia in this patient with a low reticulocyte production index and normal mean cell volume is aplastic anemia.