The challenges of diagnosing thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in the critically ill. A case report

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (UP) is associated with high mortality rates. TIP may have various and different presentations depending on the organs involved. It is now recognized to be the consequence of reduction of blood levels of the disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS)-13. Prompt diagnosis of UP is paramount, because plasma exchange is the only treatment capable of improving patient's survival with a dual mechanism: removal of anti-ADAMTS-13 auto-antibodies and infusion of the active protease available in the fresh frozen plasma. We report herein on the challenges in diagnosing UP-like complications of post-surgical facial surgery in a young male patient. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.