Unusual Presentation of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura With Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a multisystem disease characterized by disseminated thrombus formation in the arterioles and capillaries. Patients usually present with weakness, subtle mental changes, fever, and acute kidney injury. Cardiac symptoms, such as chest pain or arrhythmia, have been reported but were rarely the sole presenting symptom. We report the case of a 68-year-old woman with acute non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction who was found to have TTP. Prompt diagnosis of TTP is essential because traditional approaches to manage an acute coronary event, inclusive of dual antiplatelet therapy and percutaneous coronary intervention, might be contraindicated due to an increased risk of bleeding. Early administration of steroids and urgent initiation of plasmapheresis to improve platelet count would be crucial initial steps in the management of these patients.