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Anemia in the Elderly: not Always what it Seems
Marco Cerrano1, Elena Crisà1, Valentina Giai1
1Hematology Division, Università degli Studi di Torino, Turin, Italy.
Mediterranean Journal of Hematology and Infectious Diseases
|March 16, 2016
Summary
Anemia in older adults can stem from hidden causes like giant cell arteritis, not just myelodysplastic syndromes. Prompt diagnosis and targeted treatment, such as steroids for arteritis, are crucial for recovery.
Area of Science:
- Geriatrics
- Hematology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Anemia is a frequent and complex issue in the elderly population.
- Elevated inflammation markers alongside anemia warrant thorough investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case of elderly-onset anemia with initially unclear etiology.
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges and diverse causes of anemia in older adults.
Main Methods:
- Detailed clinical evaluation and laboratory testing.
- Bone marrow biopsy to investigate potential hematological disorders.
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scan to identify inflammatory conditions.
Main Results:
- Initial work-up suggested myelodysplastic syndrome, responsive to erythropoietin.
- Persistent inflammation markers led to further investigation.
- Giant cell arteritis was diagnosed via PET scan, with anemia resolving after steroid therapy.
Conclusions:
- Anemia of inflammation can be multifactorial and masked, requiring careful diagnostic consideration.
- Giant cell arteritis should be considered in elderly patients with anemia and elevated inflammatory markers.
- Myelodysplastic syndromes are a possibility when other causes are excluded, but diagnosis requires expertise.
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