Septic abortion masquerading as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

Abstract

A case of septic abortion with disseminated intravascular coagulation and bilateral renal cortical necrosis is described. It is important to distinguish between these 2 entities of septic abortion with complicated disseminated intravascular coagulation and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura because of therapeutic implications. Although continuous heparin and dialytic therepy may be needed in either disorder, only septic abortion with disseminated intravascular coagulation requires antibiotics and removal of the source of infection. The antimicrobic chemotherapy should be prompt, vigorous, and of broad spectrum. Curettage or total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is imperative as soon as the patient's clinical status will permit in order to remove the source of infection and of thromboplastic material.