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Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome Associated with Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
Itaru Sato1, Reina Onaka1, Sho Fujiwara2
1Department of Hematology, Yokohama Rosai Hospital, Japan.
Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan)
|May 31, 2026
Summary
This case study shows how autoimmune hemolytic anemia treatments, like blood transfusions and steroids, may trigger reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome in patients experiencing severe headaches.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Hematology
Background:
- Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a condition where the immune system attacks red blood cells.
- Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is characterized by temporary narrowing of brain arteries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of RCVS in a patient with AIHA.
- To explore potential triggers for RCVS in this clinical context.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 51-year-old woman.
- Clinical presentation: severe headache and anemia.
- Diagnostic workup: Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA).
Main Results:
- Patient diagnosed with AIHA and treated with prednisolone and red blood cell transfusion.
- Developed acute transient neurological symptoms.
- MRA revealed multifocal segmental narrowing of cerebral arteries, consistent with RCVS, which resolved spontaneously.
Conclusions:
- AIHA treatment, including hemolysis, red blood cell transfusion, and corticosteroid therapy, may precipitate RCVS.
- Highlights the importance of considering RCVS in patients with AIHA presenting with neurological symptoms.
- Suggests a multifactorial etiology for RCVS development in specific clinical scenarios.
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