J Korean Med Sci.  2006 Apr;21(2):365-367. 10.3346/jkms.2006.21.2.365.

A Case of Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia Associated with an Ovarian Teratoma

• Kim I
• Lee JY
• Kwon JH
• Jung JY
• Song HH
• Park YI
• Ro E
• Choi KC

• KMID: 1781853
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2006.21.2.365

Abstract

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.

Keyword

Teratoma; Ovary; Anemia; Hemolytic; Autoimmune

MeSH Terms

Teratoma/*complications/diagnosis/surgery
Ovarian Neoplasms/*complications/diagnosis/surgery
Humans
Female
Diagnosis, Differential
Blood Transfusion
Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune/diagnosis/*etiology/therapy
Adult
Adrenal Cortex Hormones/therapeutic use

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Abdominal computed tomographic scan shows a huge ovoid mass (arrows) with multiple calcific nodules anterior to rectum.

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  Fig. 2 Stratified squamous epithelium with skin appendage including sebaceous glands and hair follicle are noted (A, H & E, ×200). Neural tissue and adipocytes are present (B, H & E, ×100).

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  Fig. 3 Laboratory data after admission. DAT, direct antiglobulin test; IAT, indirect antiglobulin test.

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