A 30-year-old woman complains of recent easy fatigability, bruising, and recurrent throat infections. Physical examination reveals numerous petechiae over her body and mouth. Abnormal laboratory findings include hemoglobin of 6 g/dL, WBC of 1,500/mL, and platelets of 20,000/mL. The bone marrow is hypocellular and displays increased fat. What is the appropriate diagnosis?
High-Yield Explanation
- Given features suggests the diagnosis of Aplastic anemia - Aplastic anemia is a disorder of pluripotent stem cells causing bone marrow failure resulting in hypocellular bone marrow & pancytopenia - Most cases are idiopathic. - Iron-deficiency anemia (choice B) and megaloblastic anemia (choice C) are not characterized by a hypoplastic bone marrow.