An Unusual Presentation of a Patient with Leg Ulcers: A Case Report

Abstract

Leg ulcers have been a common presentation in clinics; disruptions in the mechanism of ulcer healing are vascular insufficiency, anemia, metabolic disturbances, neuropathy, and autoimmunity. The term 'non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia' encompasses the milder forms of thalassemia traits that require intermittent or no transfusion at all, and are mostly associated with leg ulcers. We present the case of a 19-year-old female with beta-thalassemia major who presented with non-healing leg ulcers and anemia. The clinical findings and lab evidence suggested hemolytic anemia evidenced by pathologic fractures, hepato-splenomegaly, and normal iron studies. Hemoglobin electrophoresis confirmed beta-thalassemia major with its complications including adrenal insufficiency and pathological fractures, all of which remained well compensated till the second decade of life.