Intravascular hemolysis secondary to aorto-atrial fistula presenting as red urine

J Gen Intern Med. 2010 Dec;25(12):1370-4. doi: 10.1007/s11606-010-1430-x. Epub 2010 Jul 3.

Abstract

Intravascular hemolysis is a rare but potentially life threatening cause of red urine characterized by brisk hemolysis and release of large amounts of hemoglobin into the urine. We present an unusual case of red urine in a 20-year-old male who was subsequently diagnosed with intravascular hemolysis due to an aorto-atrial fistula. Fistula formation was likely secondary to a recently implanted atrial septal occluder, which is a reported but exceedingly rare complication of the device. We discuss the diagnostic approach to hemolytic anemia and conclude with a literature review of other cases of device associated fistula formation and hemolysis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Fistula / complications
  • Fistula / diagnosis*
  • Fistula / surgery
  • Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / complications
  • Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / diagnosis*
  • Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / surgery
  • Hemoglobinuria / diagnosis*
  • Hemoglobinuria / etiology
  • Hemoglobinuria / surgery
  • Hemolysis / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pigments, Biological / analysis*
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnosis
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Urinalysis
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Pigments, Biological