A severe headache experienced by a 23-year-old resident of Abu Dhabi was revealed to be massive intracerebral bleeding, a dire consequence of Evans Syndrome, an unusual autoimmune disorder. This medical rarity unfolded at Lifecare Hospital, Musaffah, where the young man, identified only as Ahmad, sought urgent care.
Rather than dismissing his condition as a minor ailment, Ahmad’s prompt decision to visit the hospital proved life-saving. According to a Khaleej Times report, the medical team, led by consultant neurosurgeon Dr. Ratnakar Vupputuri, discovered the extensive brain bleed, an infrequent complication of Evans Syndrome with which Ahmad was diagnosed.
The case escalated into an extraordinary medical emergency following a CT scan that showed severe intracerebral bleeding and signs of an altered sensorium, including confusion and memory loss. Dr. Vupputuri highlighted the critical nature of Ahmad’s condition, stating that the significant bleeding and the risk of brain herniation necessitated immediate surgery to alleviate pressure and address the brain’s displacement.
Further tests unveiled alarmingly low levels of platelets and red blood cells, indicative of Evans Syndrome. This rare autoimmune disorder leads the immune system to attack the body’s own cells, including red and white blood cells and platelets, complicating Ahmad’s situation.
The surgery, lasting eight hours, was fraught with challenges due to Ahmad’s low blood cell counts and anaemia. Dr. Ravi Veera, a specialist neurosurgeon involved in the case, explained the complexity of diagnosing Evans Syndrome and the rarity of intracerebral bleeding as a symptom. Prior to the operation, Ahmad received multiple blood transfusions along with treatments like intravenous immunoglobulins and steroids to stabilize his condition.
Ahmad expressed his gratitude towards Dr. Vupputuri and the medical team at Lifecare Hospital for their quick and skilled response. He acknowledged that their expertise was instrumental in his survival and recovery.