A case of acquired aplastic anemia with repeated cerebral infarctions at the beginning of immunosuppressive therapy

Tokai J Exp Clin Med. 2009 Sep 20;34(3):58-62.

Abstract

Acquired aplastic anemia is a rare hematopoietic stem-cell disorder that results in pancytopenia and hypocellular bone marrow. The pathophysiology is immune mediated in most cases, with activated type 1 cytotoxic T cells implicated. Acquired aplastic anemia can now be cured or ameliorated by stem-cell transplantation or immunosuppressive drug therapy such as antithymocyte globulin or cyclosporine. We present a rare case report of a 68-year old patient with acquired severe aplastic anemia with repeated cerebral infarctions at the beginning of immunosuppressive therapy. He started immunosuppressive drug therapy with antithymocyte globulin and cyclosporine. During follow-up, magnetic resonance imaging revealed high signals at right thalamus and right pons by diffusion-weighted image. He was diagnosed with repeated cerebral infarctions of right thalamus and right pons. We successfully managed cerebral infarctions by frequent transfusions, edaravone administration, keeping the trough of serum cyclosporine (CsA) concentration around lower limit. This is the first report of successful management of acquired aplastic anemia with repeated cerebral infarctions.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anemia, Aplastic / complications*
  • Anemia, Aplastic / drug therapy*
  • Anemia, Aplastic / pathology
  • Anemia, Aplastic / physiopathology
  • Animals
  • Cerebral Infarction / etiology*
  • Cerebral Infarction / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents