Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and systemic lupus erythematosus - distinct entities or overlapping syndromes?

BACKGROUND

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a life-threatening syndrome characterized by platelet aggregation leading to occlusive microangiopathy. TTP has been rarely reported to simultaneously present with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

CASE

A 61-year-old male presenting with TTP was also concurrently diagnosed with SLE. The patient recovered only after combined treatments with plasmapheresis and immunosuppressive therapy.

CONCLUSION

This case is the first to describe the simultaneous presentation of TTP and SLE in an elderly gentleman. While it is important to distinguish between the two diseases because of therapeutic implications, cases of concurrent TTP and SLE help to elucidate the pathophysiology that underlies each condition.