title: Cerebral infarction in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: a case report.
abstract: Cerebral infarction is a rare but recognised complication of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. With traditional therapies including antiplatelets precluded in such patients and little guidance in the literature, the optimal treatment strategy is unknown. This report describes a case of ischaemic stroke in a patient with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and deteriorating neurology. A successful outcome was made possible using a sequential approach initially improving platelet levels with steroids and intravenous immunoglobulin and then commencing antiplatelet agents. A possible mechanism for thrombosis in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is considered.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine for the Elderly, Aintree University Hospital, Lower Lane, Liverpool L9 7AL, UK.
authors.forename: Karim
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mahawish
authors.forename: Nicholas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Pocock
authors.forename: Sujeeth
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mangarai
authors.forename: Anil
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sharma