THE ASSOCIATION OF THROMBOTIC THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA AND DISSEMINATED LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS: REPORT OF A CASE

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Abstract
A case of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in association with disseminated lupus erythematosus was presented. Diagnosis of disseminated lupus was made ante mortem on the basis of a positive "L.E.Cell" preparation; autopsy revealed classic findings of disseminated lupus in kidney, spleen, and serosal surfaces of body cavities. Autopsy also showed numerous platelet thrombi in all organ systems. Clinically, the triad of thrombocytopenic pupura, hemolytic anemia and cerebral manifestations was encountered. Implications of the association of the 2 disease processes were discussed and the literature dealing with the association was reviewed. It was suggested that thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (platelet thrombosis syndrome) may belong in the category of "collagen" diseases.