Pulmonary Tuberculosis Complicated by Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura: A Case Report and Literature Review

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is a rare but life-threatening emergency. Tuberculosis can have hematologic complications. However, concurrent tuberculosis and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura are extremely rare. In this study, we report a 53-year-old man who was initially treated for pulmonary tuberculosis but later developed weakness and an altered mental status. Laboratory tests revealed evidence of thrombocytopenia, acute renal insufficiency, and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia. Brain imaging identified intracranial hemorrhage. Further testing revealed low ADAMTS13 activity (1.8%) and positive anti-ADAMTS13 antibody, confirming the diagnosis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. The patient had a full recovery after anti-tuberculosis treatment, plasma exchange, and supportive care. We present this rare case and review previous relevant studies to remind clinicians about the potential connections between tuberculosis and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. In patients with signs of severe thrombocytopenia and microangiopathic hemolysis, necessary diagnostic tests should be performed to eliminate the possibility of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura occurring concurrently with tuberculosis.