Which type of anemia typically features a normal Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)?

Aplastic anemia is characterized by a reduced number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets due to bone marrow failure. Despite this deficiency, the Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) remains within the normal range because the remaining red blood cells are typically of normal size. In aplastic anemia, the body does not produce enough red blood cells; however, it does not focus on any particular type of red blood cell formation or size, which contributes to the normal MCV.

In contrast, iron deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency, and folic acid deficiency anemia usually result in changes to the red blood cell size. Iron deficiency anemia leads to microcytic (smaller than normal) red blood cells, while vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiencies can cause macrocytic (larger than normal) red blood cells. Therefore, aplastic anemia is the only type among the choices listed that typically features a normal MCV, reflecting the normal size of any residual red blood cell population despite overall reduced production.