Acquired amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia as a rare cause of thrombocytopenia during pregnancy

Abstract

A rare case of acquired amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia (AATP) in a 35-year-old woman who presented with anaemia and thrombocytopenia at 22 weeks gestation. The first diagnostic impression was of an evolving aplastic anaemia; however, the patient was simultaneously diagnosed with severe vitamin B12 deficiency in the setting of vegetarianism. Once the cyanocobalamin deficiency was corrected, a repeat bone marrow biopsy revealed an isolated depletion of megakaryocytes, which suggested the diagnosis of AATP. Supportive care was provided for her anaemia and thrombocytopenia and she delivered a healthy baby girl with a normal platelet count. The patient was subsequently started on romiplostim with steady improvement in her platelet counts. This rare AATP case presentation highlights the importance of a well-structured diagnostic approach to thrombocytopenia during pregnancy and supports the successful use of thrombopoietin agonists for the management of AATP.