A patient with anemia is found to have a normocytic, normochromic red blood cell indices, but with a presence of basophilic stippling in the peripheral smear. What is the most likely underlying cause of this patient's anemia?

A Iron deficiency anemia
B Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia
C Lead poisoning ✓
D Thalassemia major

Explanation

Basophilic stippling is a characteristic finding in lead poisoning, which can cause normocytic, normochromic anemia due to inhibition of heme synthesis.

Source

Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine
Hematology Hematology: Anemia Hematology: Anemia Hard MEDICAL Confidence: medium