A Case Report of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by fever, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, renal injury, and neurologic dysfunction. Until the advancements in treatment modalities in the late 20th century, TTP had carried a very high mortality risk. Treatment based on established guidelines has drastically reduced mortality rates, making early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention critically important. This case report discusses two patients diagnosed with TTP who had varying presentations, treatment courses, and recovery. The first case involves a 19-year-old male who initially presented with symptoms of a headache with some migraine-like features, which progressed to more severe neurological deficits before the diagnosis was made. The second case describes a 61-year-old female who presented with slurred speech but was seen to have TTP, which was refractory to initial management.