The spectrum of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: a clinicopathologic demonstration of tacrolimus-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in a lung transplant patient.
Immunosuppressive drugs used post-transplantation are among the most common causes of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Diagnosis is often confounded not only by its myriad presentations, but also because these manifestations may be explained by the comorbidities or complications of transplantation. A 61-year-old female who had a single lung transplant for severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease maintained on corticosteroids, tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil, was admitted for fever, headache with confusion and lethargy. She was mildly anemic and thrombocytopenic. Peripheral smear showed rare fragmented red cells. Muddy brown casts were present on urinalysis. She was diagnosed with TTP. Tacrolimus was discontinued and the mental status of the patient, anemia and thrombocytopenia improved significantly.
Go
Orson
O
Department of Medicine and Pathology and Division of Nephrology, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13202, USA. goo@upstate.edu
Naqvi
Asghar
A
Tan
Alvin
A
Amzuta
Ioana
I
Lenox
Robert
R
D000743:Anemia, Hemolytic / Q000139:chemically induced; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016040:Lung Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D011697:Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016482:Urinalysis
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D016559:Tacrolimus