Idiopathic intracranial hypertension with autoimmune hemolytic anemia: A rare association

Abstract

Background: Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is an acquired form of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. Association of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) has been observed with iron deficiency anemia, parvovirus B-19 associated anemia, and aplastic anemia. The precise cause of this phenomenon remains elusive. However, anemia-induced cerebral blood flow alteration seems likely to be the etiology. Case report: We report a 2-year and 8-month old boy who presented with AIHA and had concomitant IIH. With the correction of anemia, IIH also regressed without any targeted intervention. Conclusion: The IIH shows spontaneous resolution with the resolution of anemia, irrespective of the etiology of the anemia. Hence focus should be laid on the correction of anemia in such cases.

Keywords

• Pseudotumor cerebri
• Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
• Papilledema
• Direct antiglobulin test