1. History 2: 70 year old female
History 2: 70 year old female. Symptoms of dyspnea on exertion, easy fatigability, and lassitude for past 2 to 3 months. Denied hemoptysis, GI, or vaginal bleeding. Claimed diet was good, but appetite varied.
Physical Exam:Other than pallor, no significant physical findings were noted. Occult blood was negative.
CBC RBC 3.71 x 10[12]/L
HGB 5.9 g/dL
HCT 20.9 % MCV 56.2 fL
MCH 15.9 pg
MCHC 28.3 g/dL
RDW 20.2
WBC 5.9 x 10[9]/L
N 82 %, L 13%
M 1%, E 4%, B 0
PLT 383 x 10[9]/L
Question 1
What morphologic alterations are seen in this blood smear field?

2. Answer 1
Morphologic Alterations Results of the blood smear exam were:
RBC morphology: 2+ hypochromasia 3+ microcytosis 2+ anisocytosis 2+ elliptocytes and target cells occ teardrops and fragments
WBC morphology: Within normal limits (one lymphocyte shown here)
PLT morphology: Within normal limits
Question 2
What further laboratory studies, if any, are indicated?

3. Answer 2
Further Laboratory Studies
Iron studies were performed, and results were:
serum ferritin <10 ng/mL (RI 12-86)
serum iron 24 µg/dL (RI )
TIBC 729 µg/dL (RI ) saturation 3 % (RI 20-55)
Question 3 What is the most likely diagnosis?

4. Answer 3: Diagnosis Iron deficiency anemia
Clinical Course
Diagnostic procedures included upper GI endoscopy, colonoscopy,
and small bowel biopsy. All were negative.
The patient received packed RBC transfusions and was started on iron therapy.
The etiology of her iron deficiency anemia could not be determined,
but it was most likely nutritional.