Rapid death from thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura following caesarean section

Forensic Sci Int. 1992 Apr;54(1):75-80. doi: 10.1016/0379-0738(92)90082-8.

Abstract

We report a case of rapid death from thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura (TTP) in a young pregnant lady who developed full blown symptoms soon after caesarean section. Extensive intramyocardial confluent haemorrhages and widespread microthrombi in heart, brain, adrenals and kidney were found at autopsy. Thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura is an uncommon condition, which carries a high fatality rate if untreated. Awareness of this syndrome together with its high risk of sudden death underlines the importance of rapid diagnosis and treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex / pathology
  • Adult
  • Brain / pathology
  • Cesarean Section*
  • Death, Sudden / etiology*
  • Death, Sudden / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kidney / pathology
  • Myocardium / pathology
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / pathology*
  • Puerperal Disorders / mortality
  • Puerperal Disorders / pathology*
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / mortality
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / pathology*