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Hemolytic anemia presenting with idiopathic intracranial hypertension

Euthymia Vargiami1, Dimitrios I Zafeiriou, Nikos P Gombakis

  • 1First Department of Pediatrics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.

Pediatric Neurology
|December 7, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Parvovirus B19 infection can cause severe hemolytic anemia, leading to increased intracranial pressure in children. Prompt treatment of the anemia reversed these serious neurological symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Hematology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Parvovirus B19 is a common childhood virus that can cause various clinical manifestations.
  • Hemolytic anemia is a condition where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they are made.
  • Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) can lead to serious neurological complications.

Observation:

  • An 8-year-old girl presented with symptoms of headache, vomiting, and jaundice.
  • She was diagnosed with profound hemolytic anemia and elevated ICP, indicated by papilledema.
  • The anemia was attributed to parvovirus B19 infection.

Findings:

  • Treatment included intravenous immunoglobulin, prednisone, and packed red blood cells.
  • The patient's anemia showed significant improvement following treatment.
  • Concurrently, her headache, vomiting, and papilledema resolved.

Implications:

  • This case highlights a potential, reversible cause of idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
  • Severe anemia, particularly from parvovirus B19, should be considered in pediatric patients with neurological symptoms.
  • Correction of the underlying hematologic disorder is crucial for resolving associated ICP.

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