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Updated: Aug 23, 2025
Technique of Porcine Liver Procurement and Orthotopic Transplantation using an Active Porto-Caval Shunt
Published on: May 7, 2015
An Unusual Case of Hemolytic Anemia Reversed with Liver Transplantation
Vatsala Katiyar1, Apaar Dadlani2, Ishaan Vohra3
1Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY.
Abstract:
Spur cell anemia is acquired hemolytic anemia seen in patients with advanced liver disease, particularly in the setting of alcoholism, and warrants urgent liver transplant evaluation. We describe the case of a 58-year-old female with alcoholic cirrhosis who presented with worsening liver disease, profound anemia poorly responsive to blood transfusions, and multiple spur cells on the peripheral smear. She underwent a liver transplant, which led to the resolution of hematologic abnormalities and the need for transfusions. Our case highlights the significance of spur cell anemia as a harbinger of poor prognosis in patients with advanced liver disease and its reversibility with liver transplantation.
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