SEC23B missense mutation-associated congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia type II in a child: a rare mimic of chronic haemolytic anaemia

Abstract

We report a case of congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia (CDA) type II in a female child, which is an extremely rare cause of hereditary anaemia. The patient, still in her early childhood, presented to us with transfusion-dependent anaemia, unexplained jaundice, passage of cola-coloured urine and hepatosplenomegaly. Further investigations revealed evidence of iron overload, ineffective erythropoiesis and inadequate bone marrow response. Bone marrow aspiration study demonstrated dyserythropoiesis and findings typical of CDA type II. Targeted exome genome sequencing was done and identified heterozygous missense mutation of the SEC23B gene. CDA, being clinically similar to other more prevalent causes of anaemia, should be kept in mind especially when the common causes have already been ruled out.