Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a syndrome characterized by all of the following except:

F. Afebrile.

DISCUSSION: This disease, sometimes called Moschcowitz's syndrome, is characterized by thrombocytopenia, microangiopathy, chemolytic anemia, fluctuating neurologic abnormalities, progressive renal failure, and fever. Platelet deposits, with hyaline material composed of aggregated platelets and fibrin, occur. The cause is unknown, and the prognosis is very poor: survival is less than 10%. A combined approach using antiplatelet drugs and corticosteroids can be effective and sometimes has improved results if done with splenectomy.