Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria: small bowel findings.

ABSTRACT

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a chronic hemolytic anemia of unknown etiology associated with morning hemoglobinuria, variable acholuric jaundice, and striking hemosiderinuria, all signs of hemolysis. Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria with infarction and hemorrhage of the gut leading to emergency surgery has been reported [1]; a history of thrombosis may be found before PNH is diagnosed [2]. We describe the radiographic findings in the small bowel of a patient with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria during an episode of moderately severe abdominal symptoms. Ours is the second reported case using barium study.