Recurrent thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) as a complication of acute relapsing pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is a known complication of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) found in approximately 2% of cases. The development of TTP as a clinical sequelae of acute pancreatitis has also been reported, including one patient with chronic pancreatitis who developed TTP on two occasions following acute exacerbations of pancreatitis. We describe a case in which multiple distinct episodes of TTP have followed the clinical and laboratory demonstration of acute pancreatitis in the same patient. Supportive care of the patient's pancreatitis and plasmapheresis in each case resulted in clinical improvement and resolution of TTP. While the pathophysiologic mechanism explaining this association remains unclear, the recurrence of TTP associated with the "rechallenge" of relapsing episodes of pancreatitis in our patient suggests that a cause-and-effect relationship does exist.