Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura following transurethral resection of the prostate.
A 65-year old man developed anaemia, profound thrombocytopenia and acute renal failure 2 days after transurethral resection of the prostate. Based on the clinical picture and blood film evidence of microangiopathic haemolysis, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura was diagnosed. The patient was treated with a course of plasma exchange, renal replacement therapy and methylprednisolone and made a good recovery. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is an uncommon cause of haematological and renal abnormalities in the postoperative period. It has a high mortality if untreated, and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any postoperative patient with a low platelet count and anaemia, since prompt investigation and treatment is life-saving.
Benington
S R
SR
North Manchester General Hospital, Delaunays Road, Crumpsall, Manchester, UK. stevebenington@hotmail.com
McKillop
A
A
Macartney
I
I
Burns
S
S
D058186:Acute Kidney Injury / Q000209:etiology; D000368:Aged; D000740:Anemia / Q000209:etiology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D011468:Prostatectomy; D011697:Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy