Macrocytosis
| Macrocytosis | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Macrocytes |
| Specialty | Hematology |
| Symptoms | Shortness of breath, weakness, heart murmur, tachycardia |
| Causes | Vitamin B12 deficiency, Folic acid deficiency, Malabsorption, Alcoholism |
| Risk factors | Bone marrow failure, hematologic malignancy |
| Diagnostic method | Symptoms, Complete blood count, Peripheral blood smear, Vitamin B12 level, Red cell folate level |
Macrocytosis is a condition where red blood cells are larger than normal. These enlarged cells, also known as macrocytes, are defined by a mean corpuscular volume (MCV) that exceeds the upper reference range established by the laboratory and hematology analyzer (usually >110 fL). Upon examination of a peripheral blood smear under microscope, these macrocytes appear larger than standard erythrocytes. Macrocytosis is a common morphological feature in neonatal peripheral blood. The presence of macrocytosis can indicate a range of conditions, from benign, treatable illnesses to more serious underlying disorders.