Etymed
megaloblastic anemia
Definition
A type of anemia characterized by the presence of large, immature red blood cells (megaloblasts) in the bone marrow and blood, typically due to vitamin B12 or folate deficiency
Clinical context
A 65-year-old patient presents with fatigue, weakness, and numbness in the hands and feet. Physical examination reveals a pale conjunctiva and a smooth, beefy red tongue. Laboratory studies show large, immature red blood cells on peripheral smear. The patient's medical history includes a partial gastrectomy for peptic ulcer disease 10 years ago. This clinical presentation is consistent with pernicious anemia, a form of megaloblastic anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency due to impaired absorption following gastric surgery.
Mnemonic
Megaloblastic anemia = Methylmalonic acid accumulation due to B12/folate deficiency, causing large, immature RBCs with nuclear-cytoplasmic asynchrony
These morphemes also unlock…
- megal/o — large; enlarged
- blast/o — immature cell; germ cell
- -ic — pertaining to
- an- — without
- -emia — blood condition