Simultaneous presentation of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and systemic lupus erythematosus

An 18-year-old woman with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) had recurrent thrombocytopenia due to antiplatelet antibodies associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The simultaneous occurrence of TTP and SLE is rare. We briefly summarize eight previously reported cases in which these two diseases have developed in the same patient within a 12-month period. The possibility of a common pathogenesis is discussed.