Etymed
sideroblastic anemia
Definition
A type of anemia characterized by the presence of ringed sideroblasts in the bone marrow, where iron accumulates in the mitochondria of developing red blood cells but is not properly incorporated into hemoglobin
Clinical context
A 65-year-old male presents with fatigue and pallor. Bone marrow biopsy reveals ringed sideroblasts with iron accumulation around mitochondria. His CBC shows microcytic anemia with normal reticulocyte count. He has a history of alcohol abuse and was recently started on isoniazid for tuberculosis treatment.
Mnemonic
Sideroblastic anemia = 'Ringed' sideroblasts, 'Iron' accumulation, 'Anemia' from impaired heme synthesis