A patient with anemia is found to have a low reticulocyte count and a normocytic anemia with a narrow red cell distribution width (RDW). What is the most likely diagnosis?

A Anemia of chronic disease
B Iron deficiency anemia
C Anemia of chronic kidney disease
D Hypoproliferative anemia due to inadequate erythropoiesis ✓

Explanation

A low reticulocyte count indicates inadequate erythropoiesis. A normocytic anemia with a narrow RDW suggests a hypoproliferative anemia, where the bone marrow is not producing enough red blood cells.

Source

Williams Hematology, chapter on anemia diagnosis
Hematology Hematology: Anemia Hematology: Anemia Medium MEDICAL Confidence: high