Recurrent acute scleroderma renal crisis complicated by thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

J Rheumatol. 1997 Dec;24(12):2469-72.

Abstract

Acute renal crisis as an early manifestation of scleroderma is underemphasized, and its recurrence after initial successful therapy is rare. We describe a 32-year-old woman who presented with scleroderma renal crisis. A second episode of apparent renal crisis, however, was complicated by thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, which led to pancreatitis, a large cerebral infarction, and fatal outcome despite intensive therapy. This case illustrates the complexity and severity of diffuse systemic sclerosis presenting with multiple, major organ complications.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Cerebral Infarction / diagnostic imaging
  • Cerebral Infarction / etiology
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kidney Diseases / etiology*
  • Myocardium / pathology
  • Pancreatitis / etiology
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / etiology*
  • Recurrence
  • Renal Artery / pathology
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / complications*
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / pathology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed