title: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura precipitated by acute pancreatitis.
abstract: A 20 year old woman, admitted with acute pancreatitis, subsequently developed microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopenia and mild neurological compromise. A diagnosis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) was made, and she was treated with plasma exchange leading to complete resolution of this condition. TTP is a rare multisystem disorder which may be life threatening if not treated promptly. The increasing recognition of acute pancreatitis as a potential aetiological factor offers new insights into the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of TTP.
authors: Department of Haematology, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK. suhailc1000@hotmail.com
authors: Mohammed Suhail
authors: MS
authors: Chaudhry
authors: Martin W M
authors: MW
authors: Saweirs
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000097:blood / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D011697:Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D055815:Young Adult