CLINICAL DIAGNOSTIC MANUAL
Microcytic anemia is a type of anemia characterized by the presence of red blood cells that are smaller than normal (microcytes) and have reduced hemoglobin content.
This condition is usually caused by issues in hemoglobin synthesis, leading to insufficient red blood cell production or premature destruction.
The most common causes of microcytic anemia include iron deficiency, thalassemia, and sideroblastic anemia. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for proper and effective treatment.
Pathology | Clinical Symptoms and Signs | Suspected Diagnosis | Confirmatory Diagnosis |
Iron deficiency anemia | Fatigue, weakness, pallor, shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness, pica | History of poor iron intake, chronic bleeding | Complete blood count (CBC), low MCV, iron and ferritin levels, TIBC |
Thalassemia | Fatigue, weakness, pallor, shortness of breath, splenomegaly, jaundice | Family history of thalassemia, symptoms from childhood | CBC, hemoglobin electrophoresis, genetic studies |
Sideroblastic anemia | Fatigue, weakness, pallor, shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness | History of chronic symptoms, toxin exposure | CBC, peripheral blood smear, bone marrow tests, elevated iron levels |
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