Severe aplastic anemia as a rare autoimmune complication of ankylosing spondylitis: A rare case report.
Rama Alkhen, Mahmoud Alhamadeh Alswij, Mais Musleh et al.
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Case in brief
A 42-year-old male with a history of ankylosing spondylitis presented with recurrent mucocutaneous bleeding, severe fatigue, and transfusion dependence. Laboratory tests revealed pancytopenia, and a bone marrow biopsy confirmed severe aplastic anemia. After excluding secondary causes, he was treated with immunosuppressive therapy, achieving normalization of blood counts and remission of rheumatologic symptoms over six months.
What made this case unusual
This case highlights the rare coexistence of severe aplastic anemia as an autoimmune complication of ankylosing spondylitis, a connection not previously documented in the literature.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should consider the possibility of aplastic anemia in patients with ankylosing spondylitis presenting with unexplained cytopenias.
Why it matters
Understanding the potential immunological link between rheumatologic disorders and bone marrow failure can enhance diagnostic awareness and management strategies in similar cases.