A Case of hereditary spherocytosis coexisting with Gilbert's syndrome

Korean J Gastroenterol. 2013 Mar 25;61(3):166-9. doi: 10.4166/kjg.2013.61.3.166.

Abstract

We recently encountered a case of hereditary spherocytosis coexisting with Gilbert's syndrome. Patient was initially diagnosed with Gilbert's syndrome and observed, but other findings suggestive of concurrent hemolysis, such as splenomegaly and gallstones were noted during the follow-up period. Therefore, further evaluations, including a peripheral blood smear, osmotic fragility test, autohemolysis test, and red blood cell membrane protein test were performed, and coexisting hereditary spherocytosis was diagnosed. Genotyping of the conjugation enzyme uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase was used to confirm Gilbert's syndrome. Because of the high prevalence rates and similar symptoms of these 2 diseases, hereditary spherocytosis can be masked in patients with Gilbert's syndrome. In review of a case and other article, the possibility of the coexistence of these 2 diseases should be considered, especially in patients with unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia who also have splenomegaly and gallstones.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Erythrocytes / physiology
  • Gallstones / etiology
  • Genotype
  • Gilbert Disease / complications
  • Gilbert Disease / diagnosis*
  • Gilbert Disease / genetics
  • Glucuronosyltransferase / genetics
  • Hemolysis
  • Humans
  • Hyperbilirubinemia / etiology
  • Male
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Spherocytosis, Hereditary / complications
  • Spherocytosis, Hereditary / diagnosis*
  • Spherocytosis, Hereditary / genetics
  • Splenomegaly / etiology

Substances

  • Glucuronosyltransferase