Macrocytic Anemia Causes: Mnemonic Breakdown

Obese RBC: This reminds you that the focus is on macrocytic anemia, where red blood cells are larger than normal. -Alcohol: The RBC in the picture is depicted as drinking alcohol, representing alcoholism as one of the causes of macrocytic anemia. -Liver-like structure: Found in the abdomen of the RBC, this symbolizes chronic liver disease, which can lead to macrocytic anemia. -Elegant Butterfly: The butterfly shape is associated with the thyroid, hinting at hypothyroidism as another cause of macrocytic anemia. -Bottle of vitamins: The RBC is stepping on a bottle of vitamins, which suggests a vitamin B12 or folate deficiency—both of which are common causes of macrocytic anemia. -Bottle of honey (miele): This is a play on the word “miele” in Italian, representing myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), a group of hematological conditions that can lead to macrocytic anemia. -RBCs spilling out: At the bottom of the vitamin bottle, there are red blood cells spilling out. The presence of these RBCs should remind you of their precursors, reticulocytes. In fact, reticulocytosis can mimic macrocytic anemia because reticulocytes are larger than mature RBCs and may appear as macrocytic cells.