Differential diagnosis and management of severe anemia in an adult with nonspecific symptoms: a case study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71068/hs000105Keywords:
iron deficiency anemia, severe anemia, differential diagnosis, intravenous iron, gastrointestinal bleeding.Abstract
Introduction: This case addresses anemia ferropénica severa secundaria a pérdida gastrointestinal crónica, a clinically relevant condition in which early recognition, structured assessment, and risk-adapted treatment can substantially modify outcomes. The presentation illustrates how nonspecific or complex findings may delay diagnosis when they are interpreted separately. Objective: To describe the diagnostic reasoning, individualized intervention, multidisciplinary decisions, and clinical evolution of an adult patient with anemia ferropénica severa secundaria a pérdida gastrointestinal crónica. Case presentation: A 46-year-old patient presented with fatiga progresiva, cefalea, palpitaciones de esfuerzo, dificultad para concentrarse y mareo inespecífico de tres meses de evolución. Clinical assessment, laboratory testing, targeted imaging, differential diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up were documented sequentially. Results: The integrated evaluation established anemia ferropénica severa por pérdida digestiva crónica asociada a lesión gastroduodenal y uso sostenido de antiinflamatorios. Management included suspensión de antiinflamatorios, inhibidor de bomba de protones, hierro intravenoso por déficit profundo y síntomas, estrategia transfusional restrictiva individualizada y seguimiento hematológico. The patient showed mejoría sintomática temprana, hemoglobina 9,4 g/dL a las cuatro semanas y 12,1 g/dL a las doce semanas, con recuperación de ferritina y ausencia de nuevos síntomas. Conclusions: The case highlights the value of linking diagnostic probability, objective severity, repeated reassessment, and individualized treatment. A favorable outcome depended on timely decisions, coordinated care, and a structured follow-up plan rather than on a single diagnostic test or isolated intervention.
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