Anemias USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 42-year-old woman presents to clinic with a 3-month history of progressive fatigue and dyspnea on exertion. She reports heavy menstrual bleeding for the past decade that has worsened over the last year. On examination, she has glossitis and palmar pallor. Laboratory studies reveal: hemoglobin 7.8 g/dL, MCV 65 fL, serum ferritin 8 ng/mL, serum iron 32 μg/dL (normal 60–170), and total iron-binding capacity 485 μg/dL (normal 250–425). Peripheral blood smear shows microcytic, hypochromic red cells with occasional target cells. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
Answer choices
- AVitamin B12 deficiency anemia
- BThalassemia trait
- CIron deficiency anemiaCorrect answer
- DFolate deficiency anemia
- EAnemia of chronic disease
- FSideroblastic anemia
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