2 years ago a patient underwent resection of pyloric part of stomach. He complains of weakness, periodical dark shadows beneath his eyes, dyspnea. In blood: Hb - 70 g/l, erythrocytes - 3,0 × 1012//, colour index - 0,7 What changes of erythrocytes in blood smears are the most typical for this condition?

Answer options

1. Microcytes
2. Ovalocytes
3. Schizocytes
4. Macrocytes
5. Megalocytes

Explanation

The resection of the pyloric part of stomach reduces the gastric acid level thereby reducing iron absorption (iron requires an acidic medium to be absorbed). Iron is needed for heme synthesis (haemoglobin) and hence its deficiency will produce hypochromia and decreased colour index. In addition to this, RBCs become smaller than normal and hence microcytic anaemia.