A 55-year-old woman presents with progressive fatigue and microcytic anaemia (haemoglobin 95 g/L, MCV 72 fL). Ferritin is low. She reports intermitten...

Question

A 55-year-old woman presents with progressive fatigue and microcytic anaemia (haemoglobin 95 g/L, MCV 72 fL). Ferritin is low. She reports intermittent constipation but no overt bleeding. She has no menorrhagia and is post-menopausal. What is the most appropriate next investigation?

Accepted Answer

Colonoscopy to evaluate for colorectal malignancy

Answer

Empiric oral iron therapy only, with no further investigations

Answer

Capsule endoscopy as first-line test

Answer

Serum vitamin B12 and folate levels

Answer

Abdominal CT scan with contrast

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): Iron deficiency anaemia from possible colorectal cancer

A 55-year-old woman presents with progressive fatigue and microcytic anaemia (haemoglobin 95 g/L, MCV 72 fL). Ferritin is low. She reports intermittent constipation but no overt bleeding. She has no menorrhagia and is post-menopausal. What is the most appropriate next investigation?