A case of adult-onset Still's disease complicated by thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura with retinal microangiopathy and rapidly fatal cerebral edema

Mod Rheumatol. 2013 Mar;23(2):379-85. doi: 10.1007/s10165-012-0650-9. Epub 2012 May 24.

Abstract

We present a patient who had adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) complicated by thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) that resulted in retinal microangiopathy and rapidly fatal cerebral edema. The patient was a 37-year-old male who developed fever, eruption, arthritis and hepatic dysfunction, that, based on close examination, was diagnosed as AOSD. Despite treatment with corticosteroids, the patient developed acute visual field defect, neurological deterioration including convulsions and impaired consciousness, as well as acute renal failure that ultimately resulted in death. Pathological examination of autopsy specimens revealed multiple fibrin thrombi disseminated in small vessels of the brain and kidney, which was consistent with TTP, along with marked cerebral edema. Although TTP has rarely been reported in association with AOSD, awareness of the possible coexistence of these two diseases is important for diagnosis and treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain Edema / complications*
  • Brain Edema / pathology
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / complications*
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / pathology
  • Retinal Diseases / complications*
  • Retinal Diseases / pathology
  • Still's Disease, Adult-Onset / complications*
  • Still's Disease, Adult-Onset / pathology
  • Thrombotic Microangiopathies / complications*
  • Thrombotic Microangiopathies / pathology