Thrombotic microangiopathy after traumatic brain injury: A case report and review of the literature

Xavier Van Meerbeeck; Leen Janssen; Rowena Vleut; Philip Verdonck; Alain Gadisseur; Rudi De Paep; Walter Verbrugghe; Philippe Jorens

doi:10.1002/ccr3.7838

Thrombotic microangiopathy after traumatic brain injury: A case report and review of the literature

Clin Case Rep. 2023 Sep 8;11(9):e7838. doi: 10.1002/ccr3.7838. eCollection 2023 Sep.

Authors

Xavier Van Meerbeeck¹, Leen Janssen¹, Rowena Vleut², Philip Verdonck³, Alain Gadisseur⁴, Rudi De Paep¹, Walter Verbrugghe¹, Philippe Jorens¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Intensive Care Medicine Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp Edegem Belgium.
² Department of Nephrology Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp Edegem Belgium.
³ Department of Emergency Medicine Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp Edegem Belgium.
⁴ Department of Hematology Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp Edegem Belgium.

Abstract

Key clinical message: This case report supports that trauma can rarely cause thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). Early recognition is important due to a high mortality of untreated TMA, but diagnosis can be delayed by attributing lab abnormalities as due to blood loss.

Abstract: Major trauma can provoke coagulopathy, ranging from hypo- to hypercoagulation. Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), characterized by hemolytic anemia, renal failure, thrombocytopenia, and intravascular hemolysis, results in bleeding tendency but also microvascular thrombosis. We report a rare case of isolated traumatic brain injury leading to TMA treated with plasmapheresis.

Keywords: DIC; coagulation; plasmapheresis; thrombotic microangiopathy; trauma, neurotrauma.

Publication types

Case Reports