[Thrombotic microangiography (thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and hemolytic uremia syndrome)]

Abstract

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and haemolytic uraemic syndrome have quite uniform or identical histopathological features and share very similar clinical characteristics, so thrombotic microangiopathy may be used as a common descriptive term of the two syndromes. During the past one and a half year five patients with thrombotic microangiopathy, receiving plasma therapy were observed by the authors. Owing to the early, correct diagnosis and plasma administration four patients had been recovered from the disease. The evaluation of clinical signs and symptoms, altogether with some simple laboratory data (megakaryocytic thrombocytopenia, nonimmune acquired haemolytic anaemia, renal insufficiency, neurologic alterations, etc.) remained essential in the recognition and treatment of thrombotic microangiopathy. After giving a short review of the literature the authors deal with the results of some more specific examinations (prostanoids, beta-thromboglobulin, the quantitative and qualitative analysis of Willebrand factor, etc.) which may give further data to the complex aetiopathogenesis of thrombotic microangiopathy.