Retinal involvement in acute thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: a case report

BACKGROUND: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a life-threatening hematological condition associated with deficiency in ADAMTS13. Ocular manifestations associated with TTP are uncommon. CASE PRESENTATION: Here we report a case where a 44 year old female patient with a history of symptomatic anemia and cotton wool appearance in retina during ophthalmological examination and subsequently, she was diagnosed to have TTP. The proper management with Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) and IV methylprednisolone improved the condition of the patient markedly. CONCLUSION: It concludes that even though the presence of cotton wool appearance in retina is a nonspecific sign it needs to be properly evaluated as there can be underlying serious illnesses as in our patient. Cotton wool spots can be an early sign of underlying retinal compromise and it should be identified early.