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macrocytosis
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macrocytosis

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Macrocytosis is a condition where red blood cells are larger than normal. 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). Upon examination of a peripheral blood smear under microscope, these macrocytes appear larger than standard erythrocytes. Macrocytosis is a common morphological feature in neonatal peripheral blood. The presence of macrocytosis can indicate a range of conditions, from benign, treatable illnesses to more serious underl

Key facts

Medical condition (new).name
Macrocytosis thumb|center|
Medical condition (new).field
Hematology
Medical condition (new).synonyms
Macrocytes
Medical condition (new).symptoms
Shortness of breath, weakness, heart murmur, tachycardia
Medical condition (new).causes
Vitamin B12 deficiency, Folic acid deficiency, Malabsorption, Alcoholism
Medical condition (new).risks
Bone marrow failure, hematologic malignancy
Medical condition (new).diagnosis
Symptoms, Complete blood count, Peripheral blood smear, Vitamin B12 level, Red cell folate level

via Wikipedia infobox

~3 min read

Encyclopedic overview

6 sections
Contents
  • Types
  • Causes
  • Complications
  • See also
  • References
  • External links

Macrocytosis is a condition where red blood cells are larger than normal. 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). Upon examination of a peripheral blood smear under microscope, these macrocytes appear larger than standard erythrocytes. Macrocytosis is a common morphological feature in neonatal peripheral blood. The presence of macrocytosis can indicate a range of conditions, from benign, treatable illnesses to more serious underlying disorders.

== Types == Macrocytes may be oval or round. Oval macrocytes (also called megalocytes) are seen in conditions associated with dyserythropoiesis including megaloblastic anemia, myelodysplstic syndromes, Fanconi anemia and CDA type I & III. Round macrocytes are associated with other causes of macrocytosis.

Excerpted from Wikipedia’s “macrocytosis” article, available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.