Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria as a Rare Cause of Chronic Asymptomatic Hemolysis: A Case Report
Abstract
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare acquired clonal hematologic disorder characterized by complement-mediated intravascular hemolysis, bone marrow failure, and an increased risk of thrombosis. Clinical presentation is heterogeneous, ranging from severe symptomatic disease to indolent and asymptomatic forms, which may delay diagnosis. We report the case of a 66-year-old asymptomatic male with long-standing hematologic abnormalities and an otherwise negative diagnostic workup, in whom PNH was diagnosed by flow cytometry. This case highlights the importance of a systematic approach to anemia and the need to consider rare etiologies when standard investigations are inconclusive.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Complement system in diseases
Blood groups and transfusion
Hemoglobinopathies and Related Disorders
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Cureus
- Volume
- 18
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- e103221–e103221
- Publication date
- 8 February 2026
- Language
- EN