1. Vitamin B12 deficiency-induced pseudothrombotic microangiopathy without macrocytosis presenting with acute renal failure: a case report
- Author
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Guido Grassi, Jennifer Vanoli, Andrea Carrer, Roberto Martorana, Michele Bombelli, Vanoli, J, Carrer, A, Martorana, R, Grassi, G, and Bombelli, M
- Subjects
Hemolytic anemia ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Thrombotic microangiopathy ,Pseudothrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura ,Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura ,lcsh:Medicine ,Macrocytosis ,030204 cardiovascular system & hematology ,Gastroenterology ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Internal medicine ,hemic and lymphatic diseases ,medicine ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Vitamin B12 ,business.industry ,Microangiopathy ,lcsh:R ,General Medicine ,medicine.disease ,Thrombocytopenic purpura ,Pancytopenia ,Thrombocytopenia ,Vitamin B12 deficiency ,business - Abstract
Background Vitamin B12 deficiency-induced thrombotic microangiopathy, known as pseudothrombotic microangiopathy, is a rare condition which resembles the clinical features of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura but requires a markedly different treatment. Most cases of vitamin B12 deficiency have only mild hematological findings, but in approximately 10% of patients life-threatening conditions have been reported. Case presentation We report a case of a 46-year-old Moroccan man presenting with severe hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and renal failure in absence of macrocytosis, thus mimicking a genuine thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Rapid improvement of renal function observed with only hydration and transfusions of packed red blood cells and the presence of pancytopenia suggested a bone marrow deficiency associated to a hemolytic component of unclear origin. Detection of low levels of vitamin B12 and rapid restitutio ad integrum with its replacement supported the diagnosis of pseudothrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. Conclusions Diagnosis of pseudothrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura caused by vitamin B12 deficiency might be difficult. Awareness of clinicians toward this differential diagnosis might spare patients from unnecessary therapeutic plasma exchange that is burdened by morbidity and mortality.
- Published
- 2018