A case of refractory thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura treated with plasmapheresis and rituximab

Abstract

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare, life-threatening disorder with no prevalence or incidence studies in sub-Saharan Africa. Acquired TTP has several causes, all of which lead to decreased activity of von Willebrand factor cleaving protease (ADAMTS13) due to autoantibodies that are directed towards ADAMTS13. We report a case of a 46-year-old man who presented with most of the classic clinical manifestations of TTP.