Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in a splenectomized patient with Hodgkin's disease

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), is a disease or syndrome of unknown etiology and a high mortality rate. Treatment of TTP has been largely unsuccessful despite the trial of many therapeutic modalities. The antiplatelet drugs, aspirin and dipyridamole, have been recently recommended in the treatment of TTP. We report the successful treatment of a TTP syndrome that complicated the course of a splenectomized patient with stage IVB Hodgkin's disease and skin metastases. This is the third reported case in which TTP developed in a previously metastases. This is the third reported case in which TTP developed in a previously splenectomized patient. The role of splenectomy in the treatment of TTP is also discussed.