International Clinical and Medical Case Reports Journal (ISSN: 2832-5788) | Volume 4, Issue 5 | Case Report | Open Access DOI
Rajkrishna Sarkar*
Rajkrishna Sarkar1*, Ajit Kumar Pegu2, Kuldeep Deka3, Anish Hazra4, Mohd Uveash5
1,3,4,5Post Graduate Trainee, Department of General Medicine, Assam Medical College and Hospital
2Professor Department of General Medicine, Assam Medical College and Hospital
*Correspondence to: Rajkrishna Sarkar
Fulltext PDFPure red cell aplasia (PRCA) is a rare hematological disorder characterized by normocytic normochromic anemia, severe reticulocytopenia, and a marked reduction or absence of erythroid precursors in the bone marrow. Secondary PRCA is often paraneoplastic in origin, with thymoma being a well-recognized but uncommon cause. We report the case of a 70-year-old non-diabetic, non-hypertensive female who presented with fatigue, exertional dyspnea, and palpitations. Clinical examination revealed severe pallor without lymphadenopathy or organomegaly. Laboratory workup showed profound anemia (Hb 3 g/dL), reticulocytopenia (0.2%), and a normocytic normochromic picture on peripheral smear. Bone marrow biopsy confirmed suppression of erythroid precursors, consistent with PRCA. Extensive evaluation for infectious, autoimmune, and other hematologic causes was negative. Contrast-enhanced CT thorax revealed an anterior mediastinal mass suggestive of thymoma. The patient was initiated on immunosuppressive therapy with cyclosporine and responded clinically. She subsequently underwent a successful thymectomy, with follow-up indicating hematologic recovery. This case highlights the paraneoplastic association between thymoma and PRCA, emphasizing the importance of a thorough diagnostic approach in patients presenting with unexplained anemia. Early identification and a combination of immunosuppression and surgical management can lead to favourable outcomes. This report adds to the existing body of literature supporting thymoma-associated PRCA as a rare but treatable condition.
Pure red cell aplasia; Thymoma; Paraneoplastic syndrome; Cyclosporine; Thymectomy; Normocytic anemia; Bone marrow suppression
Rajkrishna Sarkar, Ajit Kumar Pegu, Kuldeep Deka, Anish Hazra, Mohd Uveash. Thymectomy and Immunosuppression in Thymoma-Associated Pure Red Cell Aplasia: A Case Report in a Rare and Treatable Paraneoplastic Syndrome. Int Clinc Med Case Rep Jour. 2025;4(5):1-5.