DOI: 10.12890/2026_006493
Folate deficiency-induced pseudo-thrombotic microangiopathy
Authors
nsedillot@ch-bourg01.fr
Keywords
Folate deficiency, pseudo-thrombotic microangiopathy, macrocytic anaemia, thrombopenia, high homocysteine levelsAbstract
Pseudo-thrombotic microangiopathy is commonly linked with cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) deficiency, but its association with folate deficiency is rare. This report details a case involving a 60-year-old man with a background of chronic alcohol use who presented with pancytopenia and schistocytes on his blood smear. Bone marrow aspiration showed erythroblastic hyperplasia with megaloblastic changes indicative of folate deficiency. Both cyanocobalamin and methylmalonic acid levels were normal, and there was no evidence of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Notably, the patient’s haemoglobin and platelet counts improved after folate supplementation.
References
- Socha DS, DeSouza SI, Flagg A, Sekeres M, Rogers HJ. Severe megaloblastic anemia: Vitamin deficiency and other causes. Cleve Clin J Med 2020;87:153-164. doi: 10.3949/ccjm.87a.19072
- Green R, Datta Mitra A. Megaloblastic Anemias: Nutritional and Other Causes. Med Clin North Am 2017;101:297-317. doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2016.09.013
- Black MM. Effects of vitamin B12 and folate deficiency on brain development in children. Food Nutr Bull 2008;29:S126-131. doi: 10.1177/15648265080292S117
- Tran PN, Tran MH. Cobalamin deficiency presenting with thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) features: A systematic review. Transfus Apher Sci 2018;57:102-106. doi: 10.1016/j.transci.2018.01.003
- Larkin E, Konkol S, Geraghty M. Pseudo-thrombotic microangiopathy due to folate deficiency. BMJ Case Rep 2023;16:e251473. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2022-251473
- Moreira AP, Vasconcelos M, Costa E Silva T, Relvas C, Espírito Santo J. An Unusual Case of Hemolytic Anemia: A Case Report. Cureus 2024;16:e75676. doi: 10.7759/cureus.75676
- Kitamura K, Okumura H, Inaba S, Kawashima A. Pseudo Thrombotic Microangiopathy Caused by Folic Acid Deficiency. Am J Med 2025;138:e79-e80. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2024.11.034
- Veyradier A, Coppo P. [ADAMTS13, von Willebrand factor specific cleaving protease]. Med Sci MS 2011;27:1097-1105. doi: 10.1051/medsci/20112712016
- Zheng XL, Sadler JE. Pathogenesis of thrombotic microangiopathies. Annu Rev Pathol 2008;3:249-277. doi: 10.1146/annurev.pathmechdis.3.121806.154311
- George JN, Nester CM. Syndromes of thrombotic microangiopathy. N Engl J Med 2014;371:654-666. doi: 10.1056/NEJMra1312353
- Ventura P, Panini R, Tremosini S, Salvioli G. A role for homocysteine increase in haemolysis of megaloblastic anaemias due to vitamin B(12) and folate deficiency: results from an in vitro experience. Biochim Biophys Acta 2004;1739:33-42. doi: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2004.08.005
- Wang YH, Yan QH, Xu JY, Li XJ, Cheng MN. High Prevalence and Factors Contributing to Hyperhomocysteinemia, Folate Deficiency, and Vitamin B12 Deficiency among Healthy Adults in Shanghai, China. Biomed Environ Sci BES 2019;32:63-67. doi: 10.3967/bes2019.010