Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in acute pancreatitis.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare syndrome of unknown cause with an estimated incidence of one case per million. The disease is characterized by a pentad of symptoms: thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, neurologic changes, renal dysfunction, and fever. It causes thrombosis in the microvasculature of several organs, producing diverse manifestations. Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a well-described consequence of TTP. We report a patient who developed TTP after presenting with AP, suggesting pancreatitis to be the cause, rather than a consequence, of TTP.