1983 Volume 24 Issue 4 Pages 456-461
A 16-year-old girl was admitted to the Third Department of Internal Medicine, AKita University Hospital with the chief complaints of yellowish discoloration of the skin and easy fatigability. Physical examination revealed mild splenomegaly. Hemoglobin concentration was 9.7 g/dl, reticulocyte count 9.8%, serum total bilirubin 7.1 mg/dl, indirect bilirubin 5.6 mg/dl, and 51Cr-labeled red cell half life 5 days. In the peripheral blood there were many elliptocytes, and types III and according to the Günther's classification were 41.5 and 31.5%, respectively.
Increased Na flux and ATPase activity were proved in red cells of the patient. The diagnosis of hereditary elliptocytosis accompanied by hemolytic anemia was made. Splenectomy was performed on June 13, 1980, and jaundice and anemia were improved. In the family study, no other member showed elliptocytosis.
