Thrombotic microangiopathy after traumatic brain injury: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Key Clinical Message This case report supports that trauma can rarely cause thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). Early recognition is important due to a high mortality of untreated TMA, but diagnosis can be delayed by attributing lab abnormalities as due to blood loss. Abstract Major trauma can provoke coagulopathy, ranging from hypo‐ to hypercoagulation. Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), characterized by hemolytic anemia, renal failure, thrombocytopenia, and intravascular hemolysis, results in bleeding tendency but also microvascular thrombosis. We report a rare case of isolated traumatic brain injury leading to TMA treated with plasmapheresis.

Keywords

• coagulation
• DIC
• plasmapheresis
• thrombotic microangiopathy
• trauma, neurotrauma