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Macrocytosis
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|---|---|
| Other names | Macrocytes |
| Specialty | Hematology |
| Symptoms | Shortness of breath, weakness, heart murmur, tachycardia |
| Causes | Vitamin B12 deficiency, Folic acid deficiency, Malabsorption, Alcoholism |
| Risk factors | Bone marrow failure, hematologic malignancy |
| Diagnostic method | Symptoms, Complete blood count, Peripheral blood smear, Vitamin B12 level, Red cell folate level |
Macrocytosis is a condition where red blood cells are larger than normal.[1] These enlarged cells, also known as macrocytes, are defined by a mean corpuscular volume (MCV) that exceeds the upper reference range established by the laboratory and hematology analyzer (usually >110 fL).[2] Upon examination of a peripheral blood smear under microscope, these macrocytes appear larger than standard erythrocytes. It’s noteworthy that macrocytosis is a common morphological feature in neonatal peripheral blood.[3] The presence of macrocytosis can indicate a range of conditions, from benign, treatable illnesses to more serious underlying disorders.
- ^ Kaferle, Joyce; Strzoda, Cheryl E. (2009-02-01). "Evaluation of macrocytosis". American Family Physician. 79 (3): 203–208. ISSN 0002-838X. PMID 19202968.
- ^ Woodruff, James N.; Blanchard, Anita K. (2016-06-11). Primary Care of Adult Women, An Issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America. Elsevier Health Sciences. ISBN 978-0-323-44623-5.
- ^ Bain, Barbara J. (2015-01-20). Blood Cells: A Practical Guide. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 978-1-118-81733-9.