Published online Apr 26, 2022. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i12.3808
Peer-review started: December 7, 2021
First decision: January 25, 2022
Revised: February 15, 2022
Accepted: March 7, 2022
Article in press: March 7, 2022
Published online: April 26, 2022
Processing time: 135 Days and 3.5 Hours
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a life-threatening but treatable disorder. Acute pancreatitis is a well-described consequence of TTP, but TTP as a consequence of acute pancreatitis is rare.
A 32-year-old male developed acute pancreatitis due to a fatty diet and suffered splenectomy 3 years ago due to trauma. From day 4 of his onset of pain the blood examination showed the platelet extremely reduced, bilirubin elevated and creatinine increased. High clinical suspicion of TTP was made and prompt initiation of plasma exchange was given followed intravenous drip methylprednisolone. After 7 sessions of plasm exchange and the laboratory parameters were back to normal and the patient was discharged from the hospital on the 13th day of admission.
Patients develop acute pancreatitis with no apparent causes for hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia, the possibility of TTP should be considered. Treatments for TTP including plasm exchange should be evaluated as soon as a diagnosis is made.
Core Tip: This subject is a rare case report encountered in clinical work. Acute pancreatitis accompanied thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is fatal but treatable. Highly recognized this disease could save lives. When acute pancreatitis accompanied hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, renal impairment, fever, and neurological disorders, a high index of clinical suspicion of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is required for prompt diagnosis and early treatment, which is associated with good outcome.