[Pancytopenia and hemolysis--diagnosis, differential diagnosis and therapy of pernicious anemia]
Publisher DOI
PubMed ID
17583831
Abstract
Pernicious anemia and Vitamin B12 deficiency have a wide range of symptoms and are a common finding in the elderly. A 73 year old female is admitted to the hospital because of dyspnea, fatigue and loss of appetite and weight. While previous medical history and physical examination are inconspicuous, laboratory findings show severe pancytopenia with macrocytosis, low reticulocyte count and marked signs of hemolysis. A very low serum level of vitamin B12 and chronic atrophic type A gastritis upon endoscopy with presence of parietal cell antibodies in the serum lead to the diagnosis of pernicious anemia. Complete restitution is achieved by parenteral vitamin B12 substitution. Nowadays, severe pernicious anemia is only rarely seen. The differential diagnosis of pancytopenia (with macrocytic anemia) combined with hemolysis and the essential hints to the diagnosis of pernicious anemia are discussed, and thereby practical aspects including therapy actualized.
Date Issued
2007
Publication Type
Article
Language(s)
en
Journal
Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift
Publisher
Thieme
ISSN
0012-0472
ISBN
17583831
Access(Rights)
metadata.only