ANCA-Negative Pulmonary-Renal Syndrome with Pathologic Findings Suggesting Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Abstract

Background: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare disease characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, neurologic abnormalities, fever and renal dysfunction. The disease classically spares the lung tissue, but recently some cases were reported that presented with respiratory involvement (adult respiratory distress syndrome or pulmonary-renal syndrome). Presentation with pulmonary-renal syndrome has rarely been reported.
Case Presentation: We report a 14-yaers-old boy admitted to the hospital because of a biochemical evidence of renal failure. Two days after admission he developed a high fever, hemoptysis and respiratory distress. Open kidney biopsy was performed and confirmed the diagnosis and finally the patient expired due to neurologic involvement.
Conclusion: This case is presented to discuss the need to update the criteria for TTP diagnosis and considering TTP in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary renal syndromes.