2007 Volume 48 Issue 4 Pages 181-186
We report a case of spur cell anemia with alcoholic liver cirrhosis successfully cured by living liver transplantation (LDLT). The patient was a 31-year-old woman with a history of ethanol abuse from 16 years old. She was diagnosed as liver cirrhosis at 29 years old. She had also severe hemolytic anemia. Scanning electron micrograph showed spur cells in her peripheral blood. The erythrocyte membrane was rich in free cholesterol. The ratio of free cholesterol/phospholipids was higher than normal. Medical treatment didn't improve anemia and liver failure. Living donor liver transplantation was underwent with right liver robe graft. Anemia was improved soon and there were no spur cells at 9 months after transplantation. This is the first report of LDLT for spur cell anemia. This case indicates that the contribution of liver to spur cell anemia and the efficacy of liver transplantation for complete resolution.
