Overt hypothyroidism presenting as a case of severe anaemia: A case report.

Abstract

Hypothyroidism and anaemia are frequently related. A 22 year old patient presented with severe anaemia with weakness, tiredness and loss of appetite for the last three years. She gave no history of any acute or chronic blood loss. She underwent treatment for the same including several episodes of blood transfusion with no response. 2D Echocardiography revealed grade 1 diastolic dysfunction with moderate circumferential pericardial effusion and her TSH level was very high. She was started on iron and folic acid tablets and 100 microgram thyroxine per day. The patient recovered drastically over a period of 5 weeks with recovery of her symptoms and resolution of anaemia. Hence the diagnosis of hypothyroidism should be ruled out in patients presenting with severe anaemia.

Keywords: overt hypothyroidism, very severe anaemia, pericardial effusion, hypomenorrhoea