macTT
Forum Senior
Topics: 32
Posts: 86
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HEy guys stuck on this heme question
Previously healthy 32 year old woman has a onset of recurrent H.A. She develops nausea, abdominal pain, weakness and easy brusiability. Her temp is 38.5C. Lab values
Hb: 6.9
Leukocyte count: 15,000
MCV: 78
PLatelet count: 30,000
She is immediately addmitted to the hospital. Over the next couple of days, she develops lethargy and lapses into coma. What should you find on the periphearl blood smear?
A) Macrocytes
B) Schistocytes
C) Sickle Cells
D) Spherocytes
E) Target Cells
I am debating btwn E and B. Just confused about the low MCV. Anyone care to give me some help? Thx
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| arunangsude
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 9
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i tink normal mcv range is 76-93
which goes well with the diagnosis
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| macTT
Forum Senior
Topics: 32
Posts: 86
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Argun,.
I have always learned that the mean is anything above 80? I thought anything below 80 is considered microcytic?!?!
JACK
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| me007
Forum Guru
Topics: 72
Posts: 799
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what is H.A.?
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| macTT
Forum Senior
Topics: 32
Posts: 86
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H.A = HEADACHE sorry for the abbrev.
What is the diagonsis?
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| Ancylostoma
Forum Guru
Topics: 42
Posts: 637
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The answer is schistocytes or helmet cells (same thing), Target cells are seen in "HALT"
which stands for hemoglobinopathies (hbc, etc), asplenia, liver disease, Thalessemia . The only option that would present in that manner with a low platelet count and anemia with the choices given is Schistocytes. This looks like ttp-Thrombotic thrombocytopenia which almost the same as HUS but its in an adult.
Edited by Ancylostoma on 12/15/06 - 11:23 AM
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