Hypertensive Emergency with Thrombotic Microangiopathy or TTP? A Case Series and Literature Review

Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is associated with both hypertensive emergency and primary thrombocytopenia purpura (TTP). However, their clinical management is vastly different, with the latter necessitating urgent plasma exchange (PEX). We report two cases of hypertension-associated TMA (HTN-TMA) and a literature review of the clinical management of malignant hypertension. We suggest that in patients presenting with hypertensive emergency associated with TMA, a clinical diagnosis of HTN-TMA should be made, with emergent treatment to lower blood pressure started immediately. Although TTP is a differential diagnosis for TMA, PEX should not be started concurrently in the absence of other supporting evidence for TTP.

Challenges in the diagnosis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

INTRODUCTION

Immune-mediated TTP (iTTP) is a rare condition without pathognomonic signs and symptoms. For this reason, the diagnosis of iTTP may be delayed or even missed, with potentially catastrophic consequences.

AREAS COVERED

The authors performed an extensive literature review on the diagnosis of iTTP and its challenges combined with their own experience in a referral center for patients with iTTP.

EXPERT OPINION

Although a definitive diagnosis of iTTP depends on the ADAMTS13 activity result, timely testing is rarely available at many centers to which patients present. If less complex tests were to become available, they would decrease the chances of late and/or missed diagnoses of iTTP throughout the world. While clinical scores to estimate the likelihood of iTTP exist, they are not well known, and can be misleading if used in the wrong context. Furthermore, the three scoring systems (PLASMIC, Bentley, and French) only moderately correlate with each other, which further complicates the landscape. The existence of these scores and how they should be used in practice is but one opportunity that can be seized through more robust programs to educate nonspecialist clinicians on how to recognize and treat patients with iTTP.

Recurrent stroke in an African female with idiopathic thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: A case report

We report on a young Ghanaian female who was diagnosed with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) but had an ischemic stroke as the initial presentation. She was successfully treated with therapeutic plasma exchange. This case illustrates how TTP can masquerade as ischemic stroke and the application of PLASMIC score without ADAMTS-13 assay in risk prediction.

A Case of Thrombotic Microangiopathy and Acute Sarcoidosis

Although sarcoidosis is an established cause of multiorgan dysfunction, acute presentation with thrombotic microangiopathy resulting in severe renal and hematological sequelae has not been reported. We describe the case of a patient presenting with hypercalcemia, pancreatitis, and acute renal failure, followed by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia. Although there were no significant respiratory symptoms, thoracic radiology and mediastinal lymph node biopsy results were in keeping with sarcoidosis as the underlying cause of this multisystem presentation. Corticosteroids were commenced with clinical and biochemical improvement. This novel case highlights the need to consider sarcoidosis as part of the differential diagnosis for unusual multiorgan presentations and for early multidisciplinary involvement in such cases to permit optimal treatment.

Thrombotic microangiopathy presenting with stroke-like symptoms

Thrombotic microangiopathies are a diverse group of clinical syndromes characterized by microangiographic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and organ dysfunction. We report a unique case of thrombotic microangiopathy in an adult caused by vitamin B12 deficiency that presented with stroke-like symptoms.

A case of acute pancreatitis-induced microangiopathic hemolytic anemia with thrombocytopenia

Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia (MAHA-T) is a rare complication of acute pancreatitis (AP). Treatment with therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is used at many centers. The natural history of this disease is not well understood. We report a case of acute pancreatitis induced MAHA-T with end organ dysfunction and a normal ADAMTS13 level. Following three TPEs, the patient's clinical status, blood counts and hemolytic markers stabilized. Improvement occurred even after TPE was discontinued. The optimal management of AP-induced MAHA-T is poorly understood. Many centres are reporting good outcomes with the early initiation of TPE. MAHA-T associated with acute pancreatitis is often treated with early initiation of TPE. However, the value of TPE in altering the natural history of the condition is not well understood. Further study is required to understand the role of ADAMTS13 testing to guide treatment, and the role of TPE in management.