G6PD: a homozygous deficiency revealed by macrocytosis after acute alcoholism

G6PD deficiency is one of the most common genetic disorders in the world, affecting more than 400 million people. The large majority of patients do not have anemia of chronic hemolysis but are subject to acute haemolytic anemia after exposure to triggering factor, usually eating fava beans, exposure to oxidative drugs or acidosis. We report the case of a 53-year-old woman that had an acute haemolytic anemia revealed by abnormally rapid increase of MCV that eventually led to discover G6PD deficiency. As investigation did not identify any common triggering factor, we discuss the involvement of the patient’s acute alcohol consumption in this haemolytic event.