Refractory Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura in a patient with Kaposi sarcoma

Transfus Apher Sci. 2019 Apr;58(2):187-189. doi: 10.1016/j.transci.2019.02.003. Epub 2019 Mar 19.

Abstract

The case is here presented of a 70-year old male patient with rare coexistence of Kaposi Sarcoma and resistant Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP). The Kaposi lesions were determined before the diagnosis of TTP and were exacerbated after receiving TTP-associated immunosuppressive therapy, in particular associated with rituximab. TTP in this case was resistant to conventional therapies such as steroid and plasma exchange and current immunosuppressive (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, vincristin) treatments. Novel treatment agents consisting of bortezomib and eculizumab given to the patient were also ineffective. To the best of our knowledge, this case presents the first case of coexistence of TTP and Kaposi sarcoma from Turkey and the challenge of refractory TTP management.

Keywords: Kaposi sarcoma; Rituximab; TTP.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / etiology*
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / pathology
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / therapy*
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi / complications*
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi / pathology