Transient erythroblastopenia in the first year of life.

The distinction between transient erythroblastopenia of childhood (TEC) and congenital red cell aplasia (Blackfan-Diamond anemia) is usually possible at presentation using clinical and laboratory data. When hypoplastic anemia occurs in the first year of life, however, the distinction is more difficult. We describe 7 infants with hypoplastic anemia who illustrate this diagnostic dilemma.