Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and severe thrombocytopenia in Brucella infection.
A case of Brucella septicemia presenting at the onset as a severe microangiopathic hemolytic anemia with coexisting dramatic hemorrhagic syndrome (severe epistaxis, gross hematuria, and skin purpura) is reported. A hemogram showed severe thrombocytopenia, anemia, and leukopenia. Bone marrow morphology showed the typical features associated with Brucella infection: numerous histiocytes with signs of activation, multiple granulomata, giant cells, and hemophagocytosis. After appropriate antimicrobial therapy, the clinical and hematological status of the patient improved, and he is alive and well 1 year later with disappearance of all hematological abnormalities.
Di Mario
A
A
Istituto di Semeiotica Medica, Rome, Italy.
Sica
S
S
Zini
G
G
Salutari
P
P
Leone
G
G
D000328:Adult; D000743:Anemia, Hemolytic / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D016470:Bacteremia / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D017347:Brucella melitensis; D002006:Brucellosis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology