A patient with anemia has a low reticulocyte count and a bone marrow biopsy showing a hypocellular marrow with decreased erythroid precursors. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A Aplastic anemia ✓
B Myelodysplastic syndrome
C Pernicious anemia
D Iron deficiency anemia

Explanation

Aplastic anemia is characterized by a hypocellular bone marrow with decreased production of blood cells, including erythrocytes, resulting in anemia with a low reticulocyte count.

Source

Williams Hematology
Hematology Hematology: Anemia Hematology: Anemia Hard MEDICAL Confidence: high