Question

A 14-year-old boy presents with fatigue, mild jaundice, and splenomegaly. His hemoglobin is 10.5 g/dL, MCV is 82 fL, and MCHC is high at 37 g/dL. His father had a similar history of chronic anemia and underwent splenectomy. What is the most likely diagnosis?

• A. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
• B. Hereditary spherocytosis
• C. Thalassemia minor
• D. G6PD deficiency

Hint:

Hereditary spherocytosis commonly shows high MCHC, jaundice, splenomegaly and family history.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Hereditary spherocytosis is an inherited hemolytic anemia due to red cell membrane defects. It commonly presents with jaundice, splenomegaly, anemia, family history, and increased MCHC.

Step 1: Identify hemolytic features.
The patient has: \[ \text{Fatigue + jaundice + splenomegaly} \] These suggest chronic hemolysis.

Step 2: Use family history.
His father had similar chronic anemia and underwent splenectomy, suggesting an inherited hemolytic anemia.

Step 3: Use MCHC clue.
High MCHC is a classic clue for: \[ \text{Hereditary spherocytosis} \]