Objective:
To report an uncommon presentation of a rare case of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type IIIb in an elderly woman.
Clinical presentation and intervention:
A 62-year-old woman presented with anaemic symptoms and jaundice. Blood tests showed macrocytic anaemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency with Coombs negative haemolysis. A thyroid function test was consistent with hypothyroidism. Autoimmune antibody assays were positive for anti-parietal cell, anti-intrinsic factor and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies. A final diagnosis of autoimmune thyroiditis with pernicious anaemia, which constituted autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type IIIb, was made and the patient was treated with L-thyroxine, vitamin B12 injection and a blood transfusion. She was discharged uneventfully after a week of hospitalization.
Conclusion:
This case showed that the presence of one autoimmune endocrine disease should prompt clinicians to look for other coexisting autoimmune diseases which may be asymptomatic despite positive autoantibodies.