Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia secondary to COVID-19 infection presenting as anaemia-induced unstable angina

Abstract

Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) is a condition characterised by antibody mediated haemolysis. COVID-19 infection has been associated with multiple extra pulmonary complications of autoimmune origin, including AIHA. We report a case of a 72-year-old man who presented with unstable angina induced by severe anaemia secondary to autoimmune haemolysis. His direct antiglobulin test was positive with lgG, C3d and lgM positivity denoting a mixed type AIHA. After exclusion of other known associations of AIHA, a possible diagnosis of COVID-19 infection presenting as mixed Al HA with severe symptomatic anaemia, was made. He was managed successfully with oral prednisolone and cautious blood transfusions.

Keywords

• Mixed autoimmune haemolytic anaemia
• COVID-19
• AIHA