[Fulminant thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in the course of ciprofloxacin therapy]

Abstract

We report on a 43-year-old woman who developed a fulminant thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) in the early course of an oral ciprofloxacin therapy. An acute bacterial meningo-encephalitis with disseminated intravascular coagulation was first suspected. She also presented with haemolytic anaemia and a severe thrombocytopenia. The lumbar puncture was delayed and only performed after platelets transfusions. CSF examination ruled out meningo-encephalitis. A diagnosis of TTP was made and she was given plasma exchanges. However, her neurological status worsened and the cranial CT revealed a subarachnoidal hemorrhage in left sylvian valley with diffuse oedema predominating in the left cerebral hemisphere and multiple ischemic lacunes. She died four days after admission.