[Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in HIV infection. 3 cases].

Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is an anatomical entity which includes haemolytic-uraemic syndrome as well as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. The physiopathology of TMA has not yet been fully elucidated, but it is certainly multifactorial. TMA has been described in numerous viral infections including HIV infection, and this raises the problem of relationship between the virus itself, the immunological phenomena it produces and the vascular walls. Three cases observed over a 2-year period are reported. In HIV infected patients anaemia, thrombocytopenia, renal failure and neurological abnormalities have multiple causes, and clinicians who look after these patients must be warned of the risk of TMA. TMA is difficult to treat, and its prognosis is extremely severe.