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Iron deficiency anemia — RCPSC IM MCQ

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EasyGeneral IM, Ethics, CanMEDSIron deficiency anemiaRCPSC IM

A 67-year-old man has fatigue and exertional dyspnea. Hemoglobin is 87 g/L, MCV is 68 fL, ferritin is 8 ug/L and transferrin saturation is 5 percent. He reports no overt bleeding and has not had colon cancer screening. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: B — Iron deficiency anemia from occult gastrointestinal blood loss until proven otherwise

Microcytic anemia with very low ferritin and transferrin saturation is iron deficiency. In an older man, occult gastrointestinal blood loss including colorectal cancer must be investigated.

Reference: Canadian Association of Gastroenterology colorectal cancer and anemia practice