A patient with anemia is found to have a high level of erythropoietin (EPO) and a low reticulocyte count. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A Anemia of chronic disease
B Iron deficiency anemia
C Anemia due to bone marrow failure ✓
D Renal failure-associated anemia with EPO resistance

Explanation

The presence of high EPO levels indicates that the bone marrow is being stimulated to produce red blood cells, but the low reticulocyte count suggests that the bone marrow is not responding adequately, which is consistent with bone marrow failure.

Source

American Journal of Hematology
Hematology Hematology: Anemia Hematology: Anemia Medium MEDICAL Confidence: medium