Anemia Associated with Cadmium Intoxication

Proposed mechanisms:

(1) hemolysis (or increased clearance of older erythrocytes)

(2) interference with iron absorption and transport

(3) reduced bone marrow erythopoiesis (possibly related to reduced erythopoietin, which may be due to cadmium-induced renal disease)

Clinical features:

(1) anemia, possibly with evidence of iron-deficiency anemia

(2) evidence of cadmium intoxication in blood or urine

(3) exclusion of other causes of anemia

Differential diagnosis:

(1) presence of other heavy metals (zinc, copper, lead)