Anemias USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 28-year-old woman comes to the clinic because of progressive fatigue and reduced exercise tolerance for 4 months. She reports very heavy menstrual periods since adolescence and craves chewing ice. Physical examination shows conjunctival pallor and brittle spoon-shaped nails. Laboratory studies show hemoglobin 8.9 g/dL, MCV 70 fL, ferritin low, total iron-binding capacity elevated, and transferrin saturation low. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
Answer choices
- AIron deficiency anemiaCorrect answer
- BBeta-thalassemia major
- CAnemia of chronic disease
- DSideroblastic anemia
- EFolate deficiency
- FVitamin B12 deficiency anemia
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