A case of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria presenting with intra-abdominal bleeding due to splenic rupture, developing renal infarct

Int J Lab Hematol. 2008 Jun;30(3):248-53. doi: 10.1111/j.1751-553X.2007.00949.x.

Abstract

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare disorder characterized by intravascular hemolysis, hemoglobinuria, and thrombosis. Thrombotic attacks are life threatening and are responsible for nearly 50% of PNH-related deaths. Compared with thrombotic events, bleeding related to thrombocytopenia in PNH is quite rare. This report describes an atypical clinical presentation with problems in the diagnosis and management of a woman who presented with a splenic infarct followed by massive intra-abdominal bleeding due to splenic rupture. She also developed a renal infarct during hospitalization after diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain / blood
  • Abdominal Pain / diagnostic imaging
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Hemoglobinuria, Paroxysmal / complications
  • Hemoglobinuria, Paroxysmal / diagnosis*
  • Hemorrhage / diagnostic imaging
  • Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Infarction / diagnostic imaging
  • Infarction / etiology*
  • Kidney / blood supply*
  • Rupture, Spontaneous / complications
  • Rupture, Spontaneous / etiology
  • Splenic Infarction / complications
  • Splenic Infarction / etiology
  • Splenic Rupture / complications
  • Splenic Rupture / etiology*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed