Nov

9

2021

What are thrombotic microangiopathies?

By William Aird

A group of disorders characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and microthrombi leading to ischemic tissue injury. Laboratory tests reveal thrombocytopenia and hemolytic anemia with red blood cell fragmentation (schistocytes) on the peripheral blood smear.

TMA, thrombotic microangiopathy; TTP, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura; HUS, hemolytic uremic syndrome; STEC HUS, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli HUS; aHUS, atypical HUS; HTN, hypertension; CTD, connective tissue disease.