Hemolytic Anemia-Related Acute Kidney Injury: A Case Report With Complications Including Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome

Cureus. 2023 Aug 29;15(8):e44345. doi: 10.7759/cureus.44345. eCollection 2023 Aug.

Abstract

Introduction: The condition known as posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is characterized by symptoms such as headaches, seizures, and vision problems due to brain swelling, which often can be seen in brain scans. While there have been some cases of PRES linked to conditions such autoimmune diseases and high blood pressure, we're sharing a unique case here. Our case involves severe kidney damage caused by idiopathic hemolytic anaemia. The patient also experienced loss of consciousness, seizures, and headache. Brain scans confirmed the signs of PRES. We managed to help the patient recover fully through careful treatment, including fluids, managing seizures, and transfusions.

Case details: Our patient was dealing with severe kidney damage from idiopathic hemolytic anaemia. They had episodes of loss of consciousness, seizures, and headaches. Brain scans showed that they had PRES.

Diagnosis and treatment: We found out that the patient had severe kidney damage because of hemolytic anaemia, and she also had PRES. We treated her by giving fluids, managing her seizures, and doing blood transfusions, along with other supportive care.

Conclusions: With our treatment, the patient got better, her neurological symptoms improved, and her brain scans showed fewer signs of PRES. This case tells us something interesting - sometimes, anaemia can lead to rare neurological problems like PRES. We need to be aware of these possibilities to help patients better. Our successful treatment in this case emphasizes how important quick and comprehensive care can be for good outcomes.

Keywords: blood transfusions; fluids; idiopathic hemolytic anaemia; posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome; seizure management.

Publication types

  • Case Reports