[Chronic pulmonary thromboembolism revealing beta-thalassemia intermedia after splenectomy].
BACKGROUND
The clinical expression of beta-thalassemia intermedia is variable and complications are more frequent than in the minor form. Thromboembolism risk increase after splenectomy. Few cases of the type of complications are reported.


METHODS
A man was admitted for beta-thalassemia intermedia with moderate chronic hemolysis anemia, complicated by chronic pulmonary thromboembolism and liver iron overload. Post-traumatic splenectomy probably increase the risk of this two complications. The patient's respiratory status improved following bosentan therapy without worsening his hepatopathy.


CONCLUSIONS
The present study also notes that thromboembolism complications can be an indicator of beta thalassemia and interrogate about the risk and the benefit of splenectomy in the treatment of beta-thalassemia intermedia.
Pierre
B
B
Service de cardiologie B et CNRS UMR 6542, hôpital Trousseau, 37044 Tours cedex 01, France. pierre_b@med.univ-tours.fr
Maillot
F
F
Casset-Sedon
D
D
Regina
S
S
Sitbon
O
O
Cosnay
P
P
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077300:Bosentan; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006801:Humans; D019190:Iron Overload / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D013156:Splenectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013449:Sulfonamides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D017086:beta-Thalassemia / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis*
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D013449:Sulfonamides; D000077300:Bosentan