J Korean Soc Endocrinol.  1998 Dec;13(4):622-628.

A Case of Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia & Pericardial Effusion Developed in Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Patient

• Yoo SJ
• Kang MI
• Lee KW
• Son HY
• Kang SK
• Cha BY
• Choi JY
• Yoh KA
• Park JW
• Jin JR

Abstract

Hashimotos thyroiditis has been associated with a various autoimmune disorders. The immunologic mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of these disorders have not always been thought to be the same. Although it was demonstrated that there were high prevalence of abnormal thyroid function and autoantibody in autoimmune hemolytic anemia(AIHA) and Fisher-Evans syndrome(FES), AIHA combined with Hashimotos thyroiditis is rare in Korean literature. It was suggested that a common immunologic mechanism may be involved in the pathogenesis of both disease and the possibility of multiple autoimmune syndrome might present in autoimmune hematologic disorders. We experienced a 74-year old woman with a 12-year history of a hypothyroidism due to Hashimotos thyroiditis was hospitalized with sudden development of warm AIHA with positive Direct & Indirect Coombs test and pericardial effusion. Her thyroid function test showed subclinical hypothyroidism with the maintenance dosage of levothyroxine(100pg/day). With glucocorticoid and plasmapheresis, AIHA and pericardial effusion were corrected successfully. It is suggested that the prudent immunologic study is needed for the anemia developed in patients with Hashimotos thyroiditis with or without hypothyroidism.

MeSH Terms

Aged
Anemia
Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune*
Coombs Test
Female
Humans
Hypothyroidism
Pericardial Effusion*
Plasmapheresis
Prevalence
Thyroid Function Tests
Thyroid Gland*
Thyroiditis*