Pancytopenia as a Presentation of Iron Deficiency: A Case Report

Abstract

One of the most common nutritional deficiencies worldwide is iron deficiency. Fatigue, pallor, vertigo, dyspnea, cold intolerance, lethargy, palpitation, headache, and the pallor of the mucous membranes or nail beds are the most frequent symptoms and signs of iron deficiency. Thrombocytosis is commonly observed in iron deficiency anemia; it seems that erythropoietin plays the main role in this respect. Furthermore, thrombocytopenia and even leukopenia have been reported in iron deficiency; however, pancytopenia is a very rare condition. In this report, we presented two unusual cases of pancytopenia due to severe iron deficiency that improved after treatment with oral iron supplements. Iron deficiency anemia, if sufficiently severe, may be associated with reduced platelet and leukocyte counts. Accordingly, this condition should be considered as a differential diagnosis in all patients with pancytopenia.