Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura with conjunctivitis in a patient with coronavirus disease 2019 infection

Abstract

An 81-year-old female presented with a loss of consciousness and a history of fever, dry cough, dyspnea, and conjunctivitis during 5 days ago. On initial physical examination, the laboratory examination revealed high levels of lactate dehydrogenase and creatinine concomitant severe thrombocytopenia. Moreover, the peripheral blood smear showed schistocytes 3, suggesting thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). A ground-glass pattern was reported in the high-resolution computed tomography of the lung. A positive polymerase chain reaction was reported for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). After initiating treatment for COVID-19, the patient received fresh frozen plasma and 24-h electrocardiogram monitoring in the emergency department. As the patient was being prepared for transfer to another hospital for plasmapheresis treatment, cardiac arrest occurred again, and the patient passed away. This study highlights the atypical behavior of this virus over the course of the disease including TTP with conjunctivitis, which could vary from case to case.