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Iron deficiency anaemia (occult GI malignancy) — MCCQE Part 1 MCQ

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EasyFatigueIron deficiency anaemia (occult GI malignancy)MCCQE Part 1

A 70-year-old woman has fatigue, pallor, dyspnoea on exertion x 3 months. Hb 85 g/L, MCV 72, ferritin 8. No overt bleeding. Adequate diet. Most important next step?

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Correct answer: C — Refer for upper and lower endoscopy

Iron deficiency anaemia in postmenopausal woman = occult GI malignancy until proven otherwise. Bidirectional endoscopy mandatory. Iron should be started but must not delay investigation.

Reference: CCS/CAG Iron Deficiency Guidelines