Overview of Cold Agglutinin Disease (CAD)

Cold agglutinin disease occurs when the body’s immune system produces abnormal antibodies, known as cold agglutinins. These antibodies latch onto red blood cells at lower temperatures, prompting them to clump together.

Case Study of an 84-Year-Old Woman

An 84-year-old woman in Portugal experienced recurrent mini-strokes likely triggered by cold agglutinin disease (CAD). Her episodes of sudden weakness correlated with cold exposure.

Symptoms and Medical Findings

During her episodes, the patient showed sudden weakness in her left arm after exposure to frigid temperatures. Medical examinations revealed symptoms of hemolysis and imaging showed significant narrowing of her right carotid artery.

Management and Lifestyle Modifications

The medical team opted for lifestyle changes, advising the patient to avoid cold environments and ensuring she remained warm, thus mitigating risks of further TIAs.

Conclusion and Call to Action

This case highlights the connection between environmental factors and health outcomes, urging healthcare professionals to recognize CAD as a potential risk factor in the elderly, especially during colder months.