Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. A successful imposter.

Abstract

PAROXYSMAL nocturnal hemoglobinuria is a disease with a fascinating diversity of challenges and implications. These have prompted numerous clinical and basic investigations. The clinical features are often bizarre and may be misleading, even with the most typical presentation of abdominal pain, fatigue, weakness, anemia and dark urine and with venous thromboses as the most common immediate cause of death.1 , 2 The basic studies have not yet succeeded in defining the fundamental defect. Described below are the clinical and laboratory findings on a patient whose course illustrates exceptionally well most of the vicissitudes of this disorder and the pitfalls in correct diagnosis. . . .