title: Unexplained macrocytosis in elderly patients.
abstract: One hundred and twenty-four patients over the age of 75 years were assessed for the cause of their macrocytosis (MCV > 95 fl). A definitive diagnosis was reached in 75/124 (60%) by non-invasive techniques. The remainder underwent a bone marrow biopsy yielding a definitive diagnosis in a further six patients who had an identifiable myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). A high proportion of the remainder had morphological abnormalities which fitted with no recognized pathological entity. It is suggested that these may represent MDS in evolution.
authors.affiliation: Department of Haematology, Whipps Cross Hospital, Leytonstone, London.
authors.forename: M Y
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Mahmoud
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lugon
authors.forename: C C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Anderson
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000748:Anemia, Macrocytic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000473:pathology; D004909:Erythrocyte Indices; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006452:Hemoglobinometry; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009190:Myelodysplastic Syndromes / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis