Vitamin C Deficiency Megaloblastic Anemia Mimicking Hemolytic Anemia

Abstract

A 31-year-old female presented at our hospital with fatigue and subcutaneous bleeding. Blood tests revealed hemolytic anemia. The patient had Coombs-negative normocytic anemia and thrombocytopenia; therefore, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura was ruled out. On day two, we noticed that the eating habits of the patient, hypersegmented neutrophils, and megaloblastic changes suggested malnutrition; therefore, we initiated vitamin supplementation. On day six, the vitamin C levels were <0.2 μg/mL, and the patient was therefore diagnosed with scurvy. Scurvy can mimic hemolytic anemia by causing normocytic megaloblastic anemia with a high reticulocyte count. Hypersegmented neutrophils and a detailed medical history are important for making a differential diagnosis.