Castleman's Disease in Peritoneal Cavity Presenting with Severe Hypochromic and Microcytic Anemia

Abstract

Castleman's disease is a rare B cell lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by excessive interleukin 6 (IL-6) production. We report the case of a 6-year-old girl with Castleman's disease in a retroperitoneal cavity presenting with severe hypochromic and microcytic anemia. Initial laboratory findings revealed a low level of Hb (6.0 g/dl) with low MCV (51.6 fl) and MCHC and high levels of CRP and IL-6 in the serum. An abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography scan showed a solid tumor in her peritoneal area. She was diagnosed with Castleman's disease according to the pathological finding. Her general condition and laboratory abnormalities promptly improved after the complete resection of the tumor. Castleman's disease should be included as a differential diagnosis with severe microcytic anemia and fever.