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Case Reports
. 2017 Apr 6:21:82-83.
doi: 10.1016/j.rmcr.2017.04.004. eCollection 2017.

Adenocarcinoma of the lung presenting as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

Ahmed Dirweesh  1 , Waqas Siddiqui  2 , Muhammad Khan  1 , Praneet Iyer  3 , Marc Seelagy  4
Affiliations
Case Reports

Adenocarcinoma of the lung presenting as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

Ahmed Dirweesh et al. Respir Med Case Rep. .

Abstract

Acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) usually presents as severe microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA) and thrombocytopenia in a previously healthy individual. It occurs in approximately three in one million adults and 1 in 10 million children annually. The incidence is increased in females and blacks. Diagnosing TTP and initiating therapy with plasma exchange is a must to avoid preventable complications. Acquired thromotic microangiopathy has been linked to collagen vascular diseases, use of certain medications, organ transplants, infections, pregnancy and cancer. We report a rare case of a 56-year-old African American male diagnosed with TTP who found to have an asymptomatic adenocarcinoma of the lung. Prompt cancer management resulted in completed remission of the thrombotic microangiopathy.

Keywords: Adenocarcinoma; Lung cancer; Thrombotic microangiopathy; Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
A chest X-ray showing a 3 cm left upper lobe lung mass.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
CT chest showing a 3 cm left upper lobe mass. No mediastinal lymphadenopathy was noted.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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