FRCPath Haematology Part 2: Morphology RBC Morphology Overview Macrocytosis

Macrocytosis – cells which are larger than a lymphocyte nucleus

Causes

  • Pregnancy
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Alcohol use
  • Drugs: azathioprine, hydroxyurea
  • B12/folate deficiency
  • Reticulocytosis
  • Imatinib / sunitinib therapy
  • MDS
  • Liver disease
Macrocytosis. Peripheral blood film from a patient with megaloblastic anaemia. Note the size of the red blood cells, which are larger than the nucleus of the lymphocyte on the right. There are a few oval macrocytes. The neutrophils are also hypersegmented, another feature of megaloblastic anaemia.
Peripheral blood film from a patient with megaloblastic anaemia. Note the size of the red blood cells, which are larger than the nucleus of the lymphocyte on the right. There are a few oval macrocytes. The neutrophils are also hypersegmented, another feature of megaloblastic anaemia.
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