Microcytic hypochromic anaemia: an unusual presentation of gaucher's disease in children

Seven cases of Gaucher's disease presented with moderate to severe anaemia and marked splenomegaly. These children were initially suspected of suffering from haemolytic anemia. Preliminary haematological investigations revealed anaemia to be of the microcytic hypochromic type. Bone-marrow aspiration biopsy was characteristically alike in all cases showing changes due to iron deficiency or acute haemolytic process. Gaucher's cells were seen in the bone-marrow in two cases and in the spleen and/or liver in five cases. We did not find any association between microcytic anaemia and Gaucher's disease reported in the reported in the literature. We suggest that Gaucher's disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of microcytic anaemia with marked splenomegaly