Congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) with placental abruption despite maternal improvement: a case report

BACKGROUND: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare but serious complication in pregnancy that places the mother and fetus at high risk for morbidity and mortality. This case illustrates novel pregnancy complications associated with this rare medical condition. CASE PRESENTATION: A 31-year-old G3P0020 at 28 weeks and 1 day was admitted with severe thrombocytopenia and was ultimately diagnosed with TTP. With therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), maternal status improved. At 28 weeks 6 days, however, non-reassuring fetal testing prompted cesarean delivery with placental abruption noted intraoperatively. Pathology examination confirmed placental abruption and also revealed multiple placental infarcts. CONCLUSION: While medical management of TTP can significantly improve the health of the mother, this case highlights the potential role of TTP in abruption and other placental pathology and thus, the need for close fetal surveillance throughout an affected pregnancy.