Diagnostic Framework for Anemia (Morphological Approach - MCV)

Low MCV - <80fL - "Microcytic"

 • Iron deficiency

 • Thalassemia: Alpha thalassemia, Beta thalassemia

 • Anemia of chronic inflammation (some patients)

Normal MCV - 80 - 96 fL - "Normocytic"

 • Anemia of chronic kidney disease, Acute blood loss, Anemia of chronic inflammation (some patients), "Hospital-acquired anemia"

High MCV - >96fL - "Macrocytic"

 • Megaloblastic: Vitamin B12 deficiency, Folate deficiency

 • Non-megaloblastic: Alcohol use, Liver disease (independent of alcohol use), Hypothyroidism, Myelodysplastic syndrome



- Dr. Eric Strong @DrEricStrong - Strong Medicine https://www.youtube.com/c/EricsMedicalLectures/



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