Anemia-induced Claudication Mimicking Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Area of Science:

• Vascular Medicine
• Neurology
• Hematology

Background:

• Intermittent claudication (IC) is typically associated with peripheral artery disease.
• Neurogenic claudication, often due to lumbar spinal stenosis, presents with similar leg pain.
• Anemia is not a commonly recognized cause of IC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case where severe iron-deficiency anemia presented as intermittent claudication.
• To emphasize the importance of considering anemia in the differential diagnosis of neurogenic claudication.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 74-year-old male patient.
• Clinical evaluation of intermittent claudication symptoms.
• Lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to exclude spinal stenosis.
• Laboratory tests to diagnose iron-deficiency anemia.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with symptoms characteristic of neurogenic claudication.
• Lumbar MRI ruled out lumbar spinal stenosis.
• Severe iron-deficiency anemia was identified as the underlying cause.
• Claudication symptoms resolved following anemia treatment.

Conclusions:

• This case suggests that severe iron-deficiency anemia can manifest as intermittent claudication, mimicking neurogenic causes.
• Comprehensive diagnostic workup, including anemia screening, is essential for patients with suspected intermittent claudication.