A Case Report of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

TL;DR

This case report describes two patients with TTP, a rare blood disorder, highlighting their different symptoms and treatment outcomes.

Contribution

The report adds to the understanding of TTP through the analysis of two distinct clinical cases.

Findings

A 19-year-old male presented with headache before developing severe neurological symptoms.

A 61-year-old female had slurred speech and TTP that did not respond to initial treatment.

Abstract

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by fever, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, renal injury, and neurologic dysfunction. Until the advancements in treatment modalities in the late 20th century, TTP had carried a very high mortality risk. Treatment based on established guidelines has drastically reduced mortality rates, making early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention critically important. This case report discusses two patients diagnosed with TTP who had varying presentations, treatment courses, and recovery. The first case involves a 19-year-old male who initially presented with symptoms of a headache with some migraine-like features, which progressed to more severe neurological deficits before the diagnosis was made. The second case describes a 61-year-old female who presented with slurred speech but was seen to have TTP, which was refractory to initial management.