[Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and human acquired immunodeficiency virus seropositivity]

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare disorder of unknown etiology, clinically characterized by a diagnostic pentad (thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, neurologic signs and symptoms, fever and renal damage). Recent reports in the medical literature have described its association with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We report such a case in a woman admitted with TTP in whom HIV seropositivity was found. The histopathologic findings in biopsies and autopsy confirmed the clinical diagnosis of TTP: disseminated microthrombosis in arterioles and capillaries.