In pernicious anemia, which red blood cell index is typically elevated?

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Multiple Choice

In pernicious anemia, which red blood cell index is typically elevated?

In pernicious anemia the red blood cell size increases because vitamin B12 deficiency disrupts DNA synthesis in developing erythrocytes. This causes megaloblastic, oversized red cells to be released into circulation, so the mean corpuscular volume is elevated (macrocytosis, typically >100 fL). This macrocytic pattern distinguishes pernicious anemia from microcytic or normocytic anemias.

In pernicious anemia the red blood cell size increases because vitamin B12 deficiency disrupts DNA synthesis in developing erythrocytes. This causes megaloblastic, oversized red cells to be released into circulation, so the mean corpuscular volume is elevated (macrocytosis, typically >100 fL). This macrocytic pattern distinguishes pernicious anemia from microcytic or normocytic anemias.

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