macrocytic

Abnormally large corpuscles

Macrocytic describes red blood cells that are abnormally large.

The term appears almost exclusively in medical contexts, particularly in blood work results: macrocytic anemia.

The condition often indicates vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, though other causes exist.

Contrast with microcytic (abnormally small cells).

hematology

MCV

Red blood cell size measure

erythrocytesOxygen-carrying blood cells
hemoglobinErythrocyte's oxygen-binding protein
hematocritRed cell volume fraction

bone marrow · red blood cells · blood smear · complete blood count

diagnosis

homocysteine

Methionine breakdown product

cobalaminWater-soluble nerve vitamin
bone marrow biopsyTissue sample from skeleton's interior

causes

vitamin B12 deficiency

Inadequate cobalamin levels

alcoholismAddiction to drinking
liver diseaseIllness affecting blood-filtering organ
hypothyroidismInsufficient thyroid hormone production

pernicious anemia · drug-induced · chemotherapy · methotrexate · anticonvulsants · pregnancy

etiology

malabsorption

Failed intestinal nutrient uptake

atrophic gastritisChronic stomach lining degeneration
gastrectomyStomach excision surgery
celiac diseaseAutoimmune intestinal gluten reaction

Crohn's disease · vegan diet · dietary deficiency

Family

macroscopic, macrophage, macroeconomics, macromolecule, macroevolution, macronutrient, macroscale

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