Enlarged hypersegmented neutrophils are typically seen in Megaloblastic
anemia (option 3). Here is a detailed explanation:
1. Leukopenia: Leukopenia is a condition where there is a decrease in the total
number of white blood cells (WBCs) in the bloodstream. It does not directly
refer to the morphological changes in the neutrophils. The presence of enlarged
or hypersegmented neutrophils is not a hallmark feature of leukopenia; rather,
the condition is characterized by a low WBC count.
2. Leukocytosis: Leukocytosis is the medical term for an increase in the number
of white blood cells in the bloodstream. It can occur due to various conditions
like infections, inflammation, or leukemia. However, hypersegmentation of
neutrophils is not a typical finding in leukocytosis. The presence of enlarged
neutrophils is also not characteristic of this condition.
3. Megaloblastic anemia: Megaloblastic anemia is a type of anemia that occurs
due to the lack of vitamin B12 or folic acid. These vitamins are essential for
the maturation of red blood cells in the bone marrow. In the case of vitamin B12
or folic acid deficiency, the red blood cells become large and immature, leading
to their inability to function properly. Additionally, neutrophils, which are a
type of white blood cell, can also become enlarged and hypersegmented in
megaloblastic anemia. The enlarged neutrophils are called "megaloblastic
neutrophils" or "hypersegmented neutrophils." The hypersegmentation occurs due
to the defect in DNA synthesis that results from the vitamin deficiency, causing
the nucleus of the neutrophil to segment more than the normal 2-5 lobes.
4. Acute myeloid leukemia: While acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is characterized
by an overproduction of immature myeloid cells, including neutrophils, enlarged
hypersegmented neutrophils are not a typical feature of this condition. In AML,
the bone marrow is filled with abnormal, immature cells called blasts, which do
not mature properly and function as normal blood cells. However, AML can present
with a variety of morphological changes in neutrophils, such as Auer rods, but
hypersegmentation is not specific to AML.
Enlarged hypersegmented neutrophils are most commonly associated with
Megaloblastic anemia, which is caused by vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency
and leads to abnormal cell maturation in the bone marrow, affecting both red and
white blood cells.