Anisocytosis: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis

Anisocytosis is a disease in which red blood cells vary significantly in size. It is frequently discovered during a complete blood count (CBC) when the red cell distribution width (RDW) is increased. This is not a disease, but rather a symptom of several underlying disorders. It can indicate a variety of hematological and systemic diseases. Identifying and treating the underlying cause is critical in managing anisocytosis. Patients with established risk factors for anisocytosis should be monitored regularly using blood testing and clinical examinations.

Anisocytosis’s types

Microcytosis

There is the presence of smaller-than-normal RBCs. Iron deficiency and sickle cell anemia are two common reasons for it. Microcytic anemia is characterized by tiny RBCs and low hemoglobin levels.

Macrocytosis

There is the presence of larger-than-normal RBCs. It is commonly associated with vitamin B12 deficiency and folate deficiency. Macrocytic anemia occurs when big RBCs have inadequate hemoglobin content.

Mixed

There is the presence of both smaller and larger-than-normal RBCs. The total number of RBCs is lowered. Chronic illnesses, renal abnormalities, and bone marrow disorders are all potential causes of normocytic anemia.

Causes of Anisocytosis

Nutritional deficiencies

When someone has iron deficiency anemia, their red blood cells appear smaller than normal, a condition known as microcytosis. On the other hand, a deficiency in vitamin B12 or folate can lead to larger-than-normal red blood cells, a condition known as macrocytosis.

Bone marrow disorders

Myelodysplastic syndromes can lead to a range of red blood cell (RBC) sizes, while aplastic anemia affects RBC production, causing fluctuations in size.

Hemolytic anemia

In certain medical conditions, red blood cells are destroyed at a faster rate than they are produced, leading to the presence of red blood cells in various sizes.

Chronic diseases

Chronic liver disease can result in the enlargement of red blood cells, a condition known as macrocytosis. Similarly, chronic kidney disease can lead to irregularly sized red blood cells, a condition called anisocytosis, due to impaired production of red blood cells.

Thalassemia

Microcytosis commonly occurs due to a genetic disorder that affects the production of hemoglobin, the crucial protein responsible for transporting oxygen in red blood cells.

Blood loss

Anisocytosis, a condition characterized by the presence of red blood cells of unequal sizes, can be caused by acute or chronic blood loss. During the recovery process, the generation of varying sizes of red blood cells contributes to the development of anisocytosis.

Symptoms of Anisocytosis

Symptoms are frequently connected to the underlying cause of it might include:

1. Fatigue Weakness
2. Shortness of breath.
3. Dizziness
4. palpitations
5. Pallor (pale skin)

Diagnosis of Anisocytosis

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

An elevated Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) indicates that red blood cells are not all the same size. Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) provides valuable information to differentiate between microcytosis (small red blood cells) and macrocytosis (large red blood cells).

Peripheral Blood Smear

Different sizes and shapes of red blood cells (RBCs) can be identified when examining a blood smear under a microscope. Iron Studies: Serum iron, ferritin, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) are assessed to determine iron deficiency anemia.

B12 and Folate Levels

Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of our nerve tissues, supporting optimal brain function, and facilitating the production of red blood cells.

Reticulocyte Count

This test measures immature red blood cells to determine bone marrow response accurately.

Bone marrow biopsy

If there is a suspicion of a bone marrow problem, further testing may be required.

Frequently Asked Question

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