Sudden death due to thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.
This case studies the clinical, laboratory, and pathologic findings observed in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Although TTP is a well-recognized syndrome, it is frequently undetected antemortem and represents a rare cause of sudden death. We recently were involved in a case of TTP in which an 18-year-old woman with no previous history died suddenly. The case was referred to our office for consultation because of a recent history of methamphetamine abuse. We report herewith our approach to the diagnostic workup of TTP and review relevant literature.
D000293:Adolescent; D003645:Death, Sudden / Q000209:etiology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011697:Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*