Pure red cell aplasia obscured by a diagnosis of carcinoma.

Three cases of pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) associated with carcinoma, previously considered a rare paraneoplastic syndrome, are reported. Two cases responded to steroid therapy. In two the diagnosis of PRCA was obscured by the carcinoma until bone marrow examination revealed the true cause of the anemia. These three cases once again support routine bone marrow examination to determine the cause of anemia, regardless of other medical problems.