[Surgical treatment of an auto-immune hemolytic anemia]

Abstract

Introduction: Auto-immune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a rare cause of anemia, characterized by autoantibodies directed against self red blood cells. It can be primary or secondary, in particular due to lymphoproliferative diseases.

Case report: We report the case of a 24-year-old woman who presented with a severe macrocytic anemia associated with an ovarian teratoma.

Conclusion: Ovarian teratoma is a rare cause of secondary AIHA, with only few cases reported. Its treatment differs from primary AIHA as steroids may be ineffective. Indeed, complete response can only be achieved with surgical excision of the tumor.

Keywords: Anémie hémolytique auto-immune; Auto-immune hemolytic anemia; Kyste dermoïde de l’ovaire; Ovarian dermoid cyst; Ovarian teratoma; Tératome de l’ovaire.