Thrombotic microangiopathy presenting with a considerable accumulation of ascites: a case report

Intern Med. 2011;50(1):53-7. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.50.4330. Epub 2011 Jan 1.

Abstract

A 46-year-old man presented with fever, thrombocytopenia, and a considerable accumulation of ascites. Although prednisolone and intravenous cyclophosphamide pulse (IVCY) were effective, he experienced recurrence. Renal insufficiency and hemolytic anemia developed subsequently. Schistocytes, negative Coombs' test, and elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels indicated thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). He recovered well after receiving plasma infusion, IVCY, and prednisolone. Renal biopsy revealed subendothelial widening, thereby confirming TMA. This is a very rare case of TMA that presented with a considerable volume of ascites.

MeSH terms

  • Ascites / complications*
  • Azathioprine / therapeutic use
  • Blood Transfusion
  • Cyclophosphamide / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Kidney / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Plasma
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / complications
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / diagnosis
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / therapy
  • Recurrence
  • Thrombotic Microangiopathies / complications*
  • Thrombotic Microangiopathies / diagnosis
  • Thrombotic Microangiopathies / therapy

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Prednisolone
  • Azathioprine