Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura during interferon alpha treatment for chronic myelogenous leukemia

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and hemolytic-uremic syndrome have recently been observed in patients undergoing interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) therapy. However, the relationship between disease and therapy has not been established, essentially because of concomitant treatment or previous bone marrow transplantation. We present a case of TTP developing during IFN-alpha therapy for chronic myelogenous leukemia. In this case, IFN-alpha seems to be the only etiological agent.