Coexistence of systemic lupus erythematosus and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: a case report.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) are two different clinical entities that can have overlapping features. Early recognition of either disease is vital since therapy differs. The exact incidence of coexistence of SLE and TTP is unclear. Rituximab has recently been used in the treatment of plasmapheresis-resistant TTP and is effective when SLE and TTP present together. We report a case of a 52-year-old female who presented with both SLE and TTP, years after she had initially presented with TTP alone. During this episode she did not respond to the conventional treatment with plasmapheresis and steroids. She was subsequently started on rituximab and responded well.