Giant cell arteritis mimicking multiple myeloma; diagnosed by PET scan.

This case report describes a patient who presented with severe anemia, monoclonal gammopathy, a high erythrocyte sedimentation rate and significant weight loss. These features were highly suggestive of multiple myeloma. Bone marrow aspiration was negative for myeloma on two occasions.

A case report of total abdominal hysterectomy resulting in acute thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura with pancreatitis and hepatitis: complete resolution with plasma exchange therapy.

Acute thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a life-threatening disorder that has previously been described associated with various types of surgery. An association between total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) and TTP has never been reported. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is classically characterized by thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, fever, azotemia and neurological manifestations.

Cyclo-oxygenase II inhibitors in the treatment of neoplastic fever.

Neoplastic fever is relatively common in cancer patients. Naproxen is one of the most commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of neoplastic fever. Naproxen is associated with platelet dysfunction and gastrointestinal side effects.

Acute thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura following orthopedic surgery.

Release of unusually large von Willibrand factor (UL vWF) multimers and a deficiency of vWF metalloprotease may result in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a life threatening disease. Surgery has been associated with TTP, probably by releasing massive amounts of UL vWF. An association between TTP and orthopedic surgery has never been reported in the literature.

HELLP syndrome leading to a diagnosis of pregnancy.

HELLP syndrome (an acronym for hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets) is a life-threatening complication of pregnancy seen in association with either preeclampsia or eclampsia. HELLP syndrome is rarely diagnosed before 24 weeks of gestation. This atypical form of severe preeclampsia is associated with significant fetal and maternal mortality.

Various clinical manifestations in patients with thrombotic microangiopathy.

Background: Thrombotic microangiopathy (TM) is characterized by thrombocytopenia and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia in association with diffuse microthrombi in the arteriolar capillaries of various organs. Its clinical manifestation is protean, and a few well-defined clinical syndromes have been recognized. A clear understanding of the consequence of TM is needed to appreciate the unusual clinical syndromes due to atypical presentation of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).