Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura occurring simultaneously with systemic lupus erythematosus. A case report

Abstract The association between thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and systemic lupus erythematosus has been rarely described, especially when the occurrence of both situations is simultaneous. We report the case of a 21-year-old young woman who presented with this association. The simultaneous diagnosis of these two diseases is difficult because both share similar features. Treatment must be given early. It relies on therapeutic plasma exchange, systemic glucocorticoids or other immunosuppressive agents. The prognosis is very much related to the rapidity of the diagnosis and subsequent treatment.