Open AccessCerebral infarction in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: a case report
Author(s) -
Karim Mahawish,
Nicholas Pocock,
Sujeeth Mangarai,
Anil Sharma
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
bmj case reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.231
H-Index - 26
ISSN - 1757-790X
DOI - 10.1136/bcr.04.2009.1748
Subject(s) - medicine , thrombocytopenic purpura , neurology , stroke (engine) , cerebral infarction , thrombosis , thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura , complication , platelet , pediatrics , intensive care medicine , ischemia , mechanical engineering , psychiatry , engineering
Cerebral infarction is a rare but recognised complication of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. With traditional therapies including antiplatelets precluded in such patients and little guidance in the literature, the optimal treatment strategy is unknown. This report describes a case of ischaemic stroke in a patient with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and deteriorating neurology. A successful outcome was made possible using a sequential approach initially improving platelet levels with steroids and intravenous immunoglobulin and then commencing antiplatelet agents. A possible mechanism for thrombosis in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is considered.