Prednisolone-responsive primary sclerosing cholangitis with autoimmune hemolytic anemia: a case report and review of the literature

Clin J Gastroenterol. 2021 Feb;14(1):330-335. doi: 10.1007/s12328-020-01256-8. Epub 2020 Oct 10.

Abstract

We report a case of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) with autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA). A 47-year-old woman was diagnosed with PSC. One year later, she was admitted to our hospital for jaundice and fatigue. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) showed worsening of the biliary stricture, and rapidly progressive anemia developed simultaneously. Based on the various laboratory findings, she was diagnosed with AIHA. The administration of prednisolone improved not only the anemia but also the biliary stricture. This case is impactful, as there are few case reports of PSC with AIHA. In addition, we were able to observe the changes in imaging findings using MRCP over time.

Keywords: Autoimmune hemolytic anemia; Prednisolone; Primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune* / complications
  • Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune* / drug therapy
  • Cholangiopancreatography, Magnetic Resonance
  • Cholangitis, Sclerosing* / complications
  • Cholangitis, Sclerosing* / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Prednisolone