31st July 2023

A 78-year-old woman with a background of polymyalgia rheumatica presents with fatigue

A 78-year-old woman with a background of polymyalgia rheumatica presents with fatigue.

Bloods show:
Hb 102 g/L (115 – 160)
MCV 75 fL (80 – 100)
Ferritin 50 ng/mL (20 – 230)
ESR 97 mm/hr (<44 for a 78-year-old female)

What is the most likely cause of this anaemia?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.