Diagnosis of Evans syndrome

Abstract

This manuscript concerns the case of a patient hospitalized and diagnosed with Evans syndrome. She was hospitalized with signs of thrombocytopenia induced purpura, petechiae, ecchymosis and anemia. She was successfully treated with corticoids and blood transfusions. Our purpose is to explain her clinical presentation and the exams, we used in order to make the diagnosis of Evans syndrome, which requires great suspicion. Moreover, other diseases causing hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia must be excluded. We used laboratory tests (blood samples, Coombs examination and virologic test). Bone marrow examination took place twice. Evans syndrome is an autoimmune disease which is characterized by the coexistence of hemolytic anemia and immune-mediated thrombocytopenia. There is no typical clinical presentation. Its etiology is unknown and its therapy is generally poor. Diagnosis of Evans syndrome is very difficult and requires the exclusion of other diseases causing anemia and thrombocytopenia.