Etiology:
Idiopathic (most common, likely autoimmune)
Drugs & toxins (chemotherapy, benzene, chloramphenicol)
Viral infections (EBV, HIV, hepatitis)
Inherited disorders (Fanconi anemia)
- Pathogenesis:
Bone marrow failure → Pancytopenia (↓RBCs, WBCs, platelets)
T-cell-mediated destruction of hematopoietic stem cells
Hypocellular bone marrow with fatty replacement
- Clinical Features:
Fatigue, pallor, dyspnea (due to anemia)
Recurrent infections (due to neutropenia)
Mucosal bleeding, petechiae (due to thrombocytopenia)
NO splenomegaly (unlike other causes of anemia)
- Treatment:
Immunosuppressive therapy (cyclosporine, ATG)
Bone marrow transplant (curative in severe cases)
Supportive care (transfusions, antibiotics)