CASE REPORT: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF AUTOIMMUNE CYTOPENIAS IN EVANS SYNDROME

Manuelita Sharon Christina B., Dr. M. K. Sundar Sri, M. Immanuel Jebastine

Background: Evans syndrome is a rare autoimmune hematological disorder characterized by the simultaneous or sequential occurrence of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) and immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), with or without autoimmune neutropenia. The condition is often chronic and relapsing, posing significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to its heterogeneous clinical presentation and association with various autoimmune and immunological disorders. Case Presentation: A 32-year-old female presented with progressive fatigue, generalized weakness, easy bruising, gum bleeding, and intermittent jaundice. Clinical examination revealed pallor, scleral icterus, petechiae, ecchymoses, and mild splenomegaly. Laboratory investigations demonstrated severe anemia, thrombocytopenia, reticulocytosis, elevated lactate dehydrogenase, indirect hyperbilirubinemia, and a positive direct antiglobulin test, confirming autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Extensive evaluation excluded secondary causes, including autoimmune diseases, infections, and hematological malignancies. Based on the clinical and laboratory findings, a diagnosis of primary Evans syndrome was established. The patient was treated with prednisolone, intravenous immunoglobulin, packed red blood cell transfusions, platelet transfusion, and supportive therapy, resulting in significant clinical and hematological improvement. Conclusion: This case emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis, exclusion of secondary causes, and prompt initiation of immunosuppressive therapy in Evans syndrome. Although favorable outcomes can be achieved with appropriate treatment, long-term follow-up is essential because of the disease’s chronic relapsing nature. Individualized management and multidisciplinary care remain key to improving patient outcomes and quality of life.