Contributed by Franklin Sedarat MD, MSc and Dmitriy W. Gutkin MD, PhD Published on line in March 2006
Contributed by Franklin Sedarat MD, MSc and Dmitriy W. Gutkin MD, PhD
Published on line in March 2006
PATIENT HISTORY:
This is a patient with chronic normocytic normochromic anemia in the range of 8 to 10 g/dl. Further testing included Iron, TIBC, folate and B12 which were within normal range. Reticulocyte count was increased. Peripheral blood smear showed many target cells, nRBC and polychromasia.
Figure 1: What is this (peripheral blood smear - arrow)?
Figure 2: Hemoglobin electrophoresis was done. The following panel shows the results of Hb electrophoresis performed on alkaline gel (1: normal, 2: AFSC control, 3: patient). Can you make a definite diagnosis? What do you do next?
Figure 3: The following panel shows Hb electrophoresis performed on acidic gel ( 1: normal, 2: AFSC control, 3: patient). Can you make a definite diagnosis now? Which band does not match the diagnosis? What other piece of clinical information you need to know?
