Hemolytic Anemia of Malignancy: A Case Study Involving Signet Ring Cell Metastatic Breast Cancer with Severe Microangiopathic Hemolytic Anemia

Case Rep Oncol. 2019 Jan 23;12(1):104-108. doi: 10.1159/000494753. eCollection 2019 Jan-Apr.

Abstract

Hemolytic anemia in the setting of malignancy is a rare manifestation of paraneoplastic syndrome with significant morbidity. Here we discuss a case involving metastatic breast cancer presenting with severe hemolytic anemia and renal failure secondary to thrombotic microangiopathy of malignancy. This case discusses the workup for secondary hemolytic anemia, a possible role for therapeutic plasma exchange in this setting, as well the current understanding of the management of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia of malignancy.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Hemolysis; Hemolytic anemia; Paraneoplastic; Plasma exchange.

Publication types

  • Case Reports