A patient is diagnosed with sideroblastic anemia. What is the characteristic finding in the bone marrow of such patients?

A Megaloblastic changes in erythroid precursors
B Ring sideroblasts with accumulated mitochondrial iron ✓
C Increased myeloid to erythroid ratio
D Normoblastic maturation with normal iron stores

Explanation

Sideroblastic anemia is characterized by the presence of ring sideroblasts in the bone marrow. These are erythroblasts with accumulated mitochondrial iron, visible as a ring around the nucleus when stained for iron. This condition results from defects in mitochondrial function or heme synthesis, leading to ineffective erythropoiesis and increased iron deposition within mitochondria.

Source

American Journal of Hematology
Hematology Hematology: Anemia Hematology: Anemia Hard MEDICAL Confidence: high