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Iron-deficiency anaemia — UKMLA MCQ

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HardHaematologyIron-deficiency anaemiaUKMLAMRCGP AKTPARAMRCP Part 1

A postmenopausal patient has confirmed iron-deficiency anaemia and is undergoing gastrointestinal investigation. Which additional disease should routinely be screened for because it is a recognised cause?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: B — Coeliac disease

The best answer is “Coeliac disease”. Initial investigation of confirmed iron-deficiency anaemia includes screening for coeliac disease, which is found in a clinically important minority of cases, alongside urine assessment and appropriate upper and lower gastrointestinal evaluation. The absence of diarrhoea does not exclude coeliac disease.

Reference: British Society of Gastroenterology: Iron deficiency anaemia in adults: https://gut.bmj.com/content/70/11/2030