Which anemia has red cell morphology similar to that seen in iron deficiency anemia?

The correct answer is that thalassemia syndrome presents red cell morphology that can closely resemble that seen in iron deficiency anemia. Both conditions typically feature microcytic and hypochromic red blood cells. This similarity arises because both disorders involve a reduction in hemoglobin synthesis—iron deficiency anemia due to a lack of iron, while in thalassemia, the issue lies in the production of one of the globin chains necessary for hemoglobin formation.

In thalassemia, the imbalance in globin chain production leads to ineffective erythropoiesis, contributing to the small, pale red blood cells characteristic of the condition. Therefore, the morphology can be similar, making it important for laboratory professionals to distinguish between these two forms of anemia through further testing, such as iron studies or hemoglobin electrophoresis, rather than solely relying on red cell morphology.

Other conditions listed, while they have their own distinctive characteristics, do not show the same microcytic, hypochromic morphology seen in both iron deficiency and thalassemia. For instance, sickle cell anemia involves the presence of sickle-shaped cells, pernicious anemia often exhibits macrocytic cells due to vitamin B12 deficiency, and hereditary spherocytosis is