Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura as an etiology of thrombocytopenia in systemic lupus erythematosus: case report

Abstract

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is an unusual complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Although the reported association between SLE and TTP is increasing, a few cases do improve without plasmatherapy. We report a case of TTP which was successfully treated without plasmatherapy, which might be underestimated as an etiology of thrombocytopenia in SLE. TTP should always be considered as a concomitant disease when Coombs' negative hemolytic anemia or thrombocytopenia is seen in SLE patients.

Key words::

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Thrombocytopenia
• Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)