Mixed-type autoimmune hemolytic anaemia presenting as multiple thromboses: A case report

Introduction: Autoimmune hemolytic anaemia (AIHA) is a heterogenous disorder characterised by the presence of IgG or IgM pathological autoantibodies that target antigens of erythrocytes resulting in active hemolysis. Case presentation: A 40-year-old gentleman presented to a medical centre with chest pain and right sided hemiparesis for a week. He was pale and jaundiced. The power of the right upper and lower limbs was 3/5. His spleen was palpable. His complete blood count revealed macrocytic anaemia of 7.6 g/dL. The brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) showed left fronto-parietal infarction. The right cardiac and left carotid angiogram revealed thromboses involving the right coronary and left internal carotid artery respectively. At the cardiology department, he was transfused with two units of red blood cells without his anemia being investigated and a stent was deployed to the left internal carotid artery. He was referred to the hematology department in which his peripheral blood smear revealed hemolysis and his direct antiglobulin test was positive. He responded to a course of steroids and direct oral anticoagulation and is in complete remission for the past 18 months. Conclusion: It is always imperative to investigate the cause of anaemia and consider hemolysis in a patient presenting with multiple unexplained thromboses.