Author/Authors :
Wijewickrama, Eranga S. University of Colombo - Faculty of Medicine, National Hospital of Sri Lanka - Medical Unit, Sri Lanka , Gooneratne, Lalindra University of Colombo - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Pathology, Sri Lanka , De Silva, Chandu University of Colombo - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Pathology, Sri Lanka , Lanarolle, Rushika L. University of Colombo - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Medicine, Sri Lanka
Abstract :
Acute renal failure (ARF) is a well-recognized complication of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). The predominant mechanism is intravascular hemolysis resulting in massive hemoglobinuria ARF. We report a case of acute tubular necrosis (ATN) developed in the absence of overwhelming evidence of intravascular hemolysis in a 21-year-old man with anemia,who was eventually diagnosed to have PNH. The patient presented with rapidly deteriorating renal functions in the background of iron deficiency anemia,which was attributed to reflux esophagitis. There was no clinical or laboratory evidence of intravascular hemolysis. Renal biopsy revealed ATN with deposition of hemosiderin in the proximal tubular epithelial cells. Diagnosis of PNH was confirmed with a positive Ham s test and flow cytometry. Our case emphasizes the need to consider ATN as a possible cause for ARF in patients suspected to have PNH even in the absence of overwhelming evidence of intravascular hemolysis.
