Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in human immunodeficiency (HIV)-seropositive males

Two male patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) were found to have antibodies to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In one patient, platelet-associated antibody levels were measured serially and were found to be initially elevated, but the levels decreased with initiation of successful therapy. The simultaneous occurrence of these two conditions in two of three patients admitted for TTP within the previous 2 years at this institution suggests an association between the two diseases. The precise nature of this association remains speculative inasmuch as the pathogenesis of TTP remains uncertain.