6/21/24, 7:17 PM Ophthalmologic Manifestations of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) - EyeWiki

Ophthalmologic Manifestations of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic

Purpura (TTP)
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Article initiated by: Andrew Go Lee, MD, Jared Raabe, MD, Nita Bhat, MBBS, MS, Shruthi Harish Bindiganavile, MBBS, MS

All contributors: Andrew Go Lee, MD, Jared Raabe, MD, Shruthi Harish Bindiganavile, MBBS, MS, Nagham Al-Zubidi, MD, Ashwini Kini,
MD, Nita Bhat, MBBS, MS, Sonali Singh MD

Assigned editor: Sonali Singh MD

Review: Assigned status Update Pending

by Sonali Singh MD on October 27, 2023.

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Contents
1 Disease Entity
1.1 Epidemiology
1.2 Etiology
1.3 Pathophysiology
2 Diagnosis
2.1 Signs
2.2 Symptoms
3 Management
3.1 Prognosis
4 References

Disease Entity
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) or Moschcowitz disease, is an uncommon hematologic disease characterized by the pentad of microangiopathic
hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia with purpura, acute kidney injury (AKI), neurologic abnormalities with fluctuating mental status, and fever.[1][2] Though
these are the classic symptoms, this article will focus on ocular manifestations, which have been reported to be present in 14-20% of cases.[3]

Epidemiology
The incidence of TTP has been reported between 3.7 and 11 cases per million. It is more prevalent in females, patients of Afro-Caribbean origin, and obese
patients.[2][4]

Etiology
TTP is generally believed to be caused by a decrease in activity of A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13
(ADAMTS13). This can occur secondary to a variety of genetic mutations that affect ADAMTS13 activity or, in cases of acquired TTP, autoimmune inhibitors of
ADAMTS13 are the most common culprit. Low levels of ADAMTS13 have also been seen in sepsis, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC), liver
disease, and plasmodium falciparum infection.[5] TTP has also been reported to be triggered by certain medications, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors.[6]

Pathophysiology
ADAMTS13 is a protease that cleaves large multimers of von Willebrand factor. When these multimers are not cleaved properly, they build up in the
bloodstream in comparison to normal von Willebrand factor. This leads to platelet-rich microthrombus formation and mechanical hemolysis.[5][7] This can
disrupt the blood supply to any organ, including the retina if the choroid or retinal vasculature is involved.[1] Involvement of cranial nerves has also been
reported, thought to be secondary to thrombotic ischemia.[1] Due to concomitant kidney failure, hypertensive emergency (i.e., malignant hypertension) may
accompany TTP, which can lead to papilledema.[8]

Diagnosis
TTP is diagnosed by the presence of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA) in conjunction with thrombocytopenic purpura (the two major criteria).
ADAMTS13 activity can support the diagnosis, but if the two major criteria are present, treatment should not be withheld waiting for the results.[2] When
ocular signs or symptoms are present, physicians should take a thorough history to ensure the patient does not have other systemic symptoms that may
indicate a systemic disorder such as TTP. If other pieces of the classic pentad are present, TTP along with other unifying systemic causes should be investigated.

Signs
Ophthalmologic signs of TTP may be retinal including hemorrhage, arterial or venous occlusion, or serous retinal detachment. Anisocoria or ocular
misalignment may be present if cranial nerves are involved.[1] Papilledema (optic disc edema due to increased intracranial pressure) as well as hypertensive
choroidopathy, retinopathy, and optic neuropathy have also been reported.[1]

Symptoms
Symptoms of TTP can vary depending on the affected organ. Ocular symptoms may include acute loss of vision due to retinal pathology, diplopia if cranial
nerves are affected, or blurring of vision secondary to papilledema.

Management
Plasma exchange is the mainstay of treatment for acquired TTP.[5]

Prognosis
Plasma exchange is often successful as levels of ADAMTS autoimmune inhibitors tend to decrease over time.

References
1. Percival SP. Ocular findings in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (Moschcowitz’s disease). Br J Ophthalmol [Internet]. 1970 Feb [cited 2019 Jul
21];54(2):73–8. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/5462448
2. Said A, Haddad RY, Stein R. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Disease-a-Month [Internet]. 2014 Oct 1 [cited 2019 Jul 22];60(10):500–4. Available
from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0011502914001242?via%3Dihub
3. Bobbio-Pallavicini E, Porta C, Brocchieri A, Saporiti A, Tacconi F. Ocular involvement in acute thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Haematologica
[Internet]. [cited 2019 Jul 21];80(2):194–5. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7628756
4. Black RL, Terry JE. Ocular manifestations of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. J Am Optom Assoc [Internet]. 1991 Jun [cited 2019 Jul 21];62(6):457–
61. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1813541
5. Tsai H-M. Pathophysiology of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Int J Hematol [Internet]. 2010 Jan 9 [cited 2019 Jul 23];91(1):1–19. Available from:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20058209
6. Demirsoy ET, Mehtap O, Atesoglu EB, Tarkun P, Eren N, Gedük A, et al. Dasatinib-induced immune mediated-thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.
Transfus Apher Sci [Internet]. 2018 Apr [cited 2019 Jul 22];57(2):222–4. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29475747
7. Zhao C, Qu Y, Sui R, Feng J, Gao J, Ma J, et al. Delayed visual recovery in pregnancy-associated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura with bilateral serous
retinal detachment. Doc Ophthalmol [Internet]. 2013 Apr 4 [cited 2019 Jul 21];126(2):163–9. Available from:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23208746
8. Bashir T, Alfishawy M, Babigumira M, Bashir T. Malignant Hypertension and Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura: False Friends. Am J Case Rep
[Internet]. 2015 Jun 17 [cited 2019 Jul 21];16:374–6. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26083445

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