A case of pure red cell aplasia complicated by Evans syndrome

Abstract

A 33-year-old woman complaining of severe anemia was admitted to our hospital for polyclonal hyperglobulinemia. She was diagnosed with pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) associated with Evans syndrome. Initially, the presence of human parvovirus B19 (HPV B19) IgM appeared to indicate that the cause of PRCA was HPV B19 infection. Evans syndrome improved with steroid therapy, but PRCA was refractory. Cyclosporine was administered; consequently, the patient markedly recovered from PRCA and was discharged. PRCA complicated by Evans syndrome occurred during the course of polyclonal hyperglobulinemia. The most direct etiology for the onset of PRCA was unclear; however, immunological disorders such as polyclonal hyperglobulinemia, in addition to HPV B19 infection, may have been partly responsible for the etiology of PRCA.