Successful Treatment of Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia Concurrent With Gastric Cancer by Rituximab: A Case Report of Evans Syndrome

Abstract

The concurrence of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), thrombocytopenic purpura (Evans syndrome) and solid cancer is rare. In this study, we report a diabetic patient with gastric cancer who developed AIHA and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Steroid therapy for Evans syndrome restored platelet count; however, no improvement in AIHA was observed. Rituximab administration as a second-line therapy resulted in gradual improvement of anemia.  Our observation suggested rituximab as an effective therapy for steroid-resistant AIHA.