Autoimmune Haemolysis After Operation of Gastric Cancer Complicated With Drug-refractory Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura: a Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Background: To the best of our knowledge, few reports are available at home and abroad on autoimmune haemolysis occurring after operation of gastric cancer complicated with drug-refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)(Table 1). The treatment process in this case is usually risky, and multidisciplinary collaboration is often required. Therefore, the case report aims to improve the awareness of the perioperative management of this type of patients.Case presentation: A 69-year-old male admitted to the hospital for "anaemia" was diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma after gastroscopy and biopsy. This diagnosis was confirmed to be an early stage by abdominal CT imaging. However, the patient had an extremely low platelet level and a history of hormone therapy. Moreover, administration of thrombopoietin and immunoglobulin was ineffective for treatment. After transfusion of aphaeretic platelets, laparoscopic total gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy and splenectomy were performed. Anastomotic bleeding and autoimmune haemolysis occurred after the operation. Haemolytic symptoms were spontaneously relieved after a period of hospitalisation.Conclusion: This case involved many disciplines, and revealed the interaction and mutual promotion of gastric cancer, ITP and autoimmune haemolysis, but further relationships need to be further investigated.