Isn't It Ironic? An Unusual Case of Previously Undiagnosed Synchronous Iron Overload States

Authors

• Olivia Main, MD, NYU Langone Hospital, Long Island, NY
• Mohammed Shah, MD, Thomas Jefferson University HospitalFollow
• Francis Arena, NYU Langone Hospital, Long Island, NY
• Marc Braunstein, MD, PhD, NYU Langone Hospital

Abstract

Iron overload can result from either acquired or hereditary disorders of iron metabolism or from red blood cell disorders. Here, we describe a rare case of a 55-year-old female with alpha thalassemia concurrent with hereditary spherocytosis. She presented with a normocytic anemia, iron overload including liver iron deposition, and laboratory evidence of hemolysis. Treatment included avoidance of iron supplementation, oral iron chelation, and folic acid supplementation. This case further contributes to the limited series of case reports highlighting this rare co-occurrence of red cell hemolytic disorders, alpha thalassemia, and spherocytosis and stresses the importance of a thorough work up of iron overload.

Recommended Citation

Main, MD, Olivia; Shah, MD, Mohammed; Arena, Francis; and Braunstein, MD, PhD, Marc (2026) "Isn't It Ironic? An Unusual Case of Previously Undiagnosed Synchronous Iron Overload States," The Medicine Forum: Vol. 27, Article 29.
Available at: https://jdc.jefferson.edu/tmf/vol27/iss1/29