A case of autoimmune hemolytic anemia associated with an ovarian teratoma.
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia associated with an ovarian teratoma is a very rare disease. However, treating teratoma is the only method to cure the hemolytic anemia, so it is necessary to include ovarian teratoma in the differential diagnosis of autoimmune hemolytic anemia. We report herein on a case of a young adult patient who had severe autoimmune hemolytic anemia that was induced by an ovarian teratoma. A 25-yr-old woman complained of general weakness and dizziness for 1 week. The hemoglobin level was 4.2 g/dL, and the direct and indirect antiglobulin tests were all positive. The abdominal computed tomography scan revealed a huge left ovarian mass, and this indicated a teratoma. She was refractory to corticosteroid therapy; however, after surgical resection of the ovarian mass, the hemoglobin level and the reticulocyte count were gradually normalized. The mass was well encapsulated and contained hair and teeth. She was diagnosed as having autoimmune hemolytic anemia associated with an ovarian teratoma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first such a case to be reported in Korea.
Kim
Ickkeun
I
Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea.
Lee
Jue Yong
JY
Kwon
Jung Hye
JH
Jung
Joo Young
JY
Song
Hun Ho
HH
Park
Young Iee
YI
Ro
Eusun
E
Choi
Kyung Chan
KC
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000744:Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D013724:Teratoma / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones