Pure Red Cell Aplasia

Abstract

Pure Red Cell Aplasia (PRCA) is an uncommon haematological disorder characterised by normocytic anaemia with reticulocytopaenia and preserved leucocyte and platelet counts. PRCA may be congenital or acquired. Acquired PRCA can be primary or secondarily associated with thymoma, lymphoproliferative diseases, infections, autoimmune disorders and certain drugs. Very rarely, it can be idiopathic. We report a case of chronic acquired idiopathic PRCA in a 60-year-old male. The patient had severe anaemia for which he had received multiple blood transfusions in last three months. The bone marrow aspiration and biopsy were done which revealed isolated depression of erythroblasts with final impression of acquired PRCA. A battery of tests and CT (chest and abdomen) were done to rule-out possible aetiologies but none were found. Hence, a diagnosis of idiopathic PRCA was established. Treatment was initiated with cyclosporin A and steroids in combination; remarkable improvement in haemogloblin and reticulocyte count was achieved.