Mitomycin-Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Treated Successfully With Plasmapheresis and Steroid: A Case Report

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) caused by severely reduced ADAMTS13 or the von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease (VWFCP) enzyme resulting in low platelet and red blood cell counts along with severe renal, cardiac, and neurological dysfunction. Plasmapheresis is the treatment of choice. Mitomycin, a widely used chemotherapeutic agent for gastrointestinal (GI) cancers anal and breast cancers, has been reported to occasionally cause severe TTP and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) cases. Here, we present a case of a 57-year-old African American transgender patient who presented with worsening kidney function, thrombocytopenia, and anemia following mitomycin therapy for her anal squamous cell carcinoma. Peripheral smear showed numerous schistocytes, and the patient was diagnosed with TTP because of low ADAMTS13 levels. The patient was started on plasmapheresis and steroid with ultimate improvement in condition. TTP is a rare condition that can be idiopathic or acquired. Further research is required to assess the complexity of the underlying mechanism. Early diagnosis and aggressive management often lead to a favorable outcome.

Automated summary

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare condition caused by severely reduced ADAMTS13 or the von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease (VWFCP) enzyme, resulting in low platelet and red blood cell counts along with severe renal, cardiac, and neurological dysfunction. Early diagnosis and aggressive management often lead to a favorable outcome.