Microcytic anemia

Microcytic anemia is present when there is both an inadequate quantity of circulating hemoglobin, and the mean corpuscular volume of erythrocytes is below a threshold value (approximately 80 m3). It is possible to have a microcytosis without anemia, if there are enough small erythrocytes, containing enough hemoglobin, to circulate the necessary quantity. There are also anemias where the erythrocytes are of normal or large size.

Iron deficiency anemia, which can have a variety of causes, is the most frequent reason for seeing microcytic anemia, although further studies will be required for a definitive diagnosis.