Hemolysis caused by CMV infection in a pregnant woman with silent elliptocytosis

Int J Hematol. 1998 Oct;68(3):311-5. doi: 10.1016/s0925-5710(98)00071-1.

Abstract

Elliptocytosis is reported to occur in at least 1 per 5000 individuals, but most cases are heterozygous and do not show clinical hemolysis. Healthy individuals with silent elliptocytosis, however, may suddenly have an episode of hemolysis [1]. Here we report a woman in the third trimester of pregnancy who suffered from cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection with hemolysis. Scanning electron microscopy showed that half of her red blood cells were oval, and protein analysis revealed a 50% reduction of protein 4.1. We discuss the role of CMV infection and pregnancy in the onset of hemolysis in a patient with otherwise silent elliptocytosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / complications*
  • Elliptocytosis, Hereditary / genetics*
  • Female
  • Hemolysis / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious*