High MCV indicates megaloblastic anemia.

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Multiple Choice

High MCV indicates megaloblastic anemia.

Elevated MCV means the red blood cells are larger than normal, a pattern called macrocytosis. This most often comes from impaired DNA synthesis in red cell precursors, which occurs in megaloblastic anemia due to deficiency of vitamin B12 or folate. Because of this, the category that best fits a high MCV is megaloblastic anemia. Pernicious anemia is a common cause of B12 deficiency and thus can lead to megaloblastic anemia, but the statement here describes the pattern (macrocytosis) rather than a specific cause. Iron deficiency anemia and sideroblastic anemia typically produce normal or smaller-than-normal cells (microcytosis or normocytosis), not macrocytosis, so they don’t fit the pattern described.

Elevated MCV means the red blood cells are larger than normal, a pattern called macrocytosis. This most often comes from impaired DNA synthesis in red cell precursors, which occurs in megaloblastic anemia due to deficiency of vitamin B12 or folate. Because of this, the category that best fits a high MCV is megaloblastic anemia.

Pernicious anemia is a common cause of B12 deficiency and thus can lead to megaloblastic anemia, but the statement here describes the pattern (macrocytosis) rather than a specific cause. Iron deficiency anemia and sideroblastic anemia typically produce normal or smaller-than-normal cells (microcytosis or normocytosis), not macrocytosis, so they don’t fit the pattern described.

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