Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)-Induced Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia Presenting as Syncope: A Case Report.

Abstract

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a condition that causes an individual's immune system to destroy its own red blood cells. Immune cells are activated against the red blood cell antigens to induce hemolysis. Patients typically present with symptomatic anemia when the extent of hemolysis overcomes the bone marrow's ability to compensate. Steroids are typically the first-line treatment, along with supportive care and blood transfusion for severe anemia. This case report details a patient who had presented to the ED after a syncopal episode that was ultimately due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-induced warm AIHA.