AUTOIMMUNE HEMOLYTIC-ANEMIA ASSOCIATED WI TH A MATURE OVARIAN TERATOMA

The association of autoimmune hemolytic anemia and mature teratoma of the ovary is rare, particularly in childhood, but must be known and lo oked for since the treatment of teratoma allows to cure anemia as well . Case report. - A 9 year-old girl was admitted for hemolytic anemia. The etiologic work-up revealed an autoimmune mechanism (IgG autoantibo dies with complement), as well as an ovarian tumor after ultrasound so nography of the abdomen and pelvis. Surgical excision of the tumor was complete and uncomplicated. pathological examination concluded to a m ature teratoma. Anemia, as well as the signs of autoimmunity disappear ed a few weeks later and the child is doing well with several months o f follow-up. Conclusion. - This second reported pediatric case shows t hat an ovarian teratoma should be searched for with ultrasound sonogra phy in any girl presenting with autoimmune hemolytic anemia since surg ical excision is sufficient to cure both anemia and the tumor. (C) 199 8, Elsevier, Paris.