Sideroblastic anemia. A diagnosis to consider in alcoholic patients.

Alcoholic patients who present with anemia can pose a diagnostic challenge. Although deficiencies of iron, vitamin B12, and folate commonly result in anemia, bone marrow suppression of red blood cell production related to the direct toxic effects of alcohol can cause a form called sideroblastic anemia. This case report describes a patient presenting with acute alcohol intoxication and anemia in whom extensive evaluation revealed a hematologic picture compatible with acquired sideroblastic anemia.