Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura with autoimmune pancytopenia.

Abstract

A typical case of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) with fatal course characterized by hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and leukopenia with neutropenia is described. An autoimmune process against blood cells is proved by the presence of autoantibodies of the immunochemical type IgA+C’ fixed to erythrocytes, complete and incomplete platelet antibodies and cytotoxic leukocyte antibodies. On the basis of autoimmune disorders associated with TTP and the presence of the vascular thrombosis in some immunological reactions, this case of TTP could be ascribed to the presence of blood cell autoantibodies.