Extensive iron overload in bone marrow: A cause of pancytopenia in a thalassemia major patient – A case report

Abstract

Iron overload-associated organ damage in transfusion-dependent anemias is a well-known phenomenon. Here, we discuss a case of 28-year-old, poorly chelated thalassemia major patient, whose blood workup revealed pancytopenia and moderately raised serum ferritin levels. His bone marrow examination was performed which revealed massive iron overload. Aggressive iron chelation led to successful recovery of peripheral blood counts in his patient. This case focuses on the importance of early detection and timely management of reversible iron overload toxicities. Serum ferritin although is convenient marker to asses iron overload, but it should not be relied upon to assess the severity of iron overload. Hence, organ-specific diagnostic modalities must be used along with serum ferritin to assess the severity of iron overload to prevent long-term complications in patients with regular blood transfusions.

Keywords

• bone marrow
• iron overload
• thalassemia major