A delay in diagnosis: thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura occurring in systemic lupus erythematous

Pan Afr Med J. 2019 Oct 21:34:103. doi: 10.11604/pamj.2019.34.103.20524. eCollection 2019.

Abstract

Thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura (TTP) in the background of systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) remains rare with an incidence of about 2%. Both conditions have overlapping features and can thus be difficult to differentiate and diagnose. A careful review of the peripheral blood smear remain essential often providing many clues. The diagnosis of TTP is a medical emergency and therapy should be instituted immediately. We present one such challenging case where a delay in diagnosis due to limited resources could have proven fatal for our patient.

Keywords: Thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura; diagnostic challenge; systemic lupus erythematous.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Delayed Diagnosis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / complications*
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / diagnosis*
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / etiology
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / physiopathology