THROMBOHEMOLYTIC THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA AND LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

Abstract

A 29-year-old negro female, whose findings fulfilled the clinical criteria for thrombohemolytic thrombocytopenic purpura is presented. Despite being critically ill, she responded dramatically to splenectomy following preparatory steroid therapy. The clinical diagnosis was confirmed by splenic histology, and clinical remission has been maintained for 32 months. Seven months following splenectomy a positive L.E. test was elicited which was considered a laboratory reflection of a basically hyperergic process. The report supports the evidence that the disease may run a chronic rather than fulminant course, and that energetic measures such as steroid therapy and splenectomy should be pursued in an attempt to produce a remission. The findings also invite attention to a possible common etiologic background in thrombohemolytic thrombocytopenic purpura and lupus erythematosus.