Skip to main content
Erschienen in: Journal of Medical Case Reports 1/2018

Open Access 01.12.2018 | Case report

Two potentially lethal conditions of probable immune origin occurring in a pregnant woman: a case report

verfasst von: H. M. Senanayake, M. Patabendige

Erschienen in: Journal of Medical Case Reports | Ausgabe 1/2018

Abstract

Background

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and peripartum cardiomyopathy are potentially lethal complications of pregnancy. We describe a case in which both of these developed in the same patient. The etiologies of both conditions remain uncertain, but they share immune hyperreactivity as a possible cause.

Case presentation

A 33-year-old Lankan primigravida gave birth at 38 weeks of gestation by cesarean section when she presented with right-sided abdominal pain and a provisional diagnosis of appendicitis. Her pain persisted postoperatively, and on the second postoperative day, she physicaly collapsed suddenly with abdominal distention. Immediate laparotomy revealed generalized oozing from the peritoneum resulting in hemoperitoneum and intestinal hemorrhage. Her laboratory reports showed microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. She also had elevated liver enzyme, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatinine concentrations. A diagnosis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura was made. After a steady recovery, she was discharged from the hospital on the 16th postoperative day, but 12 hours later, she was readmitted with acute-onset progressively worsening shortness of breath. Echocardiography confirmed peripartum cardiomyopathy. She was treated with a bromocriptine and heart failure regimen. At 6 weeks postpartum, her laboratory test results and cardiac function had improved.

Conclusions

A possible autoimmune association might have caused both conditions in our patient. This case report serves as a warning message that pregnant women with one possible condition with autoimmune association could go on to develop other similar conditions.
Abkürzungen
ADAMTS13
A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13)
β1R-AABs
Anti-β1-adrenergic receptor autoantibodies
DIC
Disseminated intravascular coagulation
M2R-AABs
Anti-M2-muscarinic receptor autoantibodies
PPCM
Peripartum cardiomyopathy
TACO
Transfusion-associated circulatory overload
TTP
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
VWF
von Willebrand factor

Background

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) are rare, potentially lethal complications of pregnancy. We report a case in which both of these conditions developed in the same patient. The etiologies of both of these entities are uncertain, but they share immune hyperreactivity as a possible cause.

Case presentation

A 33-year-old Lankan primigravida was admitted at 38 weeks of gestation with episodic right-sided abdominal pain. Her pain was gradually worsening with no change in urinary and bowel habits. Her past medical, surgical, family, and psychosocial histories were unremarkable. A cesarean delivery was performed with a provisional diagnosis of appendicitis because no other explanation could be found for the pain. A preoperative platelet count of 130 × 103/L was noted, but it was not investigated further. The delivery was concluded uneventfully with a delivery of a nonasphyxiated baby girl weighing 2.8 kg. The patient’s appendix was noted to be normal. Her pain persisted postoperatively, and on the second postoperative day, she physicaly collapsed suddenly with abdominal distention. An episode of hematemesis followed shortly afterward. Her hemoglobin level was 5 g/dl, and her platelet count was 60 × 103/L. Intraperitoneal and intestinal bleeding was diagnosed, and an emergency laparotomy was performed. Her conjunctivae were noted to be icteric (serum total bilirubin level, 11.4 mg/dl). Generalized oozing from the peritoneum and the uterine incision was noted, and altered blood was present in the bowel. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy failed to demonstrate a bleeding point. The patient was given a transfusion of 5 U of blood. The results of laboratory investigations are summarized in Table 1.
Table 1
Summary of laboratory results
 
Postoperative day 2
Postoperative day 3
Postoperative day 4
Postoperative days 5 and 6
Postoperative day 10
Postoperative day 14
Hemoglobin (g/dl)
5
9
8.1
8.3
8.9
9.1
Platelet count (per liter)
60
53
40
35
118
190
Reticulocyte count (%)
4.5
5.8
Serum creatinine (mg/dl)
1.7
1.8
1.7
1.8
0.6
0.6
Blood urea nitrogen (mg/dl)
106.5
96
112
117
29.5
24
Serum potassium
3.8
3.9
5.3
5.1
3.6
3.7
SGOT (U/L)
79
84
104
111
88
77
SGPT (U/L)
47
77
97
103
80
73
ALP (U/L)
559
740
Serum bilirubin (mg/dl)
      
 Total
11.4
     
 Direct
7.6
13.6
15
15.7
5.8
4.3
 Indirect
3.8
     
Prothrombin time (S)
16
15
17.1
16
15
16
INR
1.7
1.7
1.5
1.5
1.6
1.7
CRP (mg/dl)
96
105
 
Serum total calcium (mmol/L)
1.8
2.0
Serum LDH (U/L)
1344
1490
310
Blood picture
Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and suggestive of TTP
Recovery phase of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia
D-dimer (mg/dl)
2.76
1.8
 
Blood culture
No growth
Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy
No specific bleeding point seen.
Brain CT scan
Normal
Brain MRI scan
Normal
Abdominal ultrasound scan
Liver is normal Mild ascites noted
Abbreviations: SGOT Aspartate aminotransferase, SGPT Alanine aminotransferase, ALP Alkaline phosphatase, INR International normalized ratio, CRP C-reactive protein, LDH Lactate dehydrogenase, CT Computed tomography, MRI Magnetic resonance imaging, TTP Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
On the third postoperative day, the patient developed a focal seizure involving the right arm, but imaging of the brain failed to show a focal lesion. A diagnosis of TTP was made, and five cycles of plasmapheresis were completed. After plasmapheresis, her blood picture suggested the recovery phase of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia. Her hematological and biochemical parameters returned to normal, and she was discharged on the 16th postoperative day. At discharge, she had no complaints, and her blood pressure was 140/90 mmHg.
The patient was readmitted 12 hours following discharge with a complaint of acute-onset progressively worsening shortness of breath. She had features of acute left ventricular failure with a heart rate of 120 beats per minute, blood pressure of 160/100 mmHg, and arterial oxygen saturation of 90% while on oxygen. She was transferred to a coronary care unit, where she received aggressive treatment for heart failure. 2D echocardiography showed an ejection fraction of 45%, and a diagnosis of PPCM was made. Her B-type natriuretic peptide level was extremely elevated (31,400 U/L), and her troponin I titer was normal, confirming acute heart failure. She was started on bromocriptine, warfarin, and a heart failure regimen. At 6 weeks postpartum, her ejection fraction had improved to 60%, and she was normotensive.

Discussion

TTP has a classic pentad of clinical features, including fever, thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, neurological abnormalities, and renal failure [1]. In our patient, hemoperitoneum and hematemesis could be attributed to thrombocytopenia of TTP. Early plasmapheresis is the treatment of choice for TTP. Its effectiveness has been attributed to the removal of ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13) autoantibodies and replacement of ADAMTS13 activity [2, 3]. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO) can be other differential diagnoses. Even though prothrombin time prolongation and downward trend of platelet count were seen in the first few days in our patient, her D-dimer level was not high. Therefore, her presentation favors TTP rather than DIC as the possible diagnosis. TACO includes any four of the following occurring within 6 hours of a blood transfusion: acute respiratory distress, tachycardia, increased blood pressure, acute or worsening pulmonary edema, and evidence of a positive fluid balance [4]. Absence of these features in our patient excludes TACO.
Lactate dehydrogenase acts as a marker for the extent of hemolysis and response to plasmapheresis [5]. Reports in the literature show lower rates of relapse after splenectomy and also with the use of rituximab [68]. There is a significant risk of relapse in subsequent pregnancies [6]. Preconception counseling regarding potential risks in subsequent pregnancies is therefore important. Because TTP is rare, a high index of suspicion is required for rapid diagnosis and prompt treatment. Unexplained occurrence of thrombocytopenia and anemia should prompt consideration of the diagnosis and immediate evaluation of a peripheral blood smear.
Von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a large glycoprotein that circulates in plasma as a series of multimers. It plays a major role in primary hemostasis by inducing the formation of temporary platelet plugs at sites of vascular injury. Its activity is dependent on the sizes of the multimers, with ultralarge VWF multimers being biologically very potent [9, 10]. Dysfunctional VWF proteolysis resulting in the formation of VWF- and platelet-containing thrombi in the microcirculation of organs is implicated in the pathogenesis of TTP [9, 10]. The defective breakdown of VWF is attributed to a severely deficient activity of the VWF-cleaving protease ADAMTS13, a plasma metalloprotease synthesized in the liver, kidneys, and endothelium [9]. This protease rapidly degrades VWF-platelet strings by proteolytic cleavage of the VWF subunit, thereby regulating the size of the platelet thrombus [9, 10]. Congenital TTP occurs as a result of ADAMTS13 mutations, with the debut usually occurring in the first years of life, whereas acquired TTP is associated with autoantibodies against ADAMTS13 [9]. Many patients with TTP exhibit positive autoimmune reactions to other antigens, suggesting that defective immune regulation may contribute to the development of TTP [11]. Acquired TTP is considered a specific autoimmune disease characterized by antibodies, usually immunoglobulin G, directed against ADAMTS13 [6, 11]. These ultralarge VWF multimers cause spontaneous platelet aggregation in the microvasculature of the brain, kidney, and heart [6]. These account for the vascular episodes that are typical of TTP.
PPCM is characterized by left ventricular systolic dysfunction and heart failure. Its pathogenesis is not clear, but the role of autoimmunity in cardiovascular diseases has become one of the focal points in the field of cardiomyopathy and heart failure. The β1-adrenergic and M2-muscarinic receptors belong to the family of cardiac G protein-coupled receptors. Circulating autoantibodies against the second extracellular loop of β1-adrenergic receptors and M2-muscarinic receptors have been detected in a number of cardiovascular diseases characterized by heart failure, including idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and chronic Chagas heart disease [12, 13]. Patients with PPCM have been confirmed to be positive for autoantibodies against β1-adrenergic receptors (β1R-AABs) and autoantibodies against M2-muscarinic receptors (M2R-AABs). High titers of autoantibodies against selected cardiac tissue proteins have been found in the majority of women with PPCM [14]. An autoimmune mechanism is believed to participate in the pathogenesis of PPCM [15, 16].
A recent study has demonstrated the presence of β1R-AABs and M2R-AABs in patients with PPCM [15]. Positivity rates and serum titers of β1R-AABs and M2R-AABs were positively correlated with left ventricular dimensions and negatively correlated with the cardiac function of patients with PPCM [15]. The autoantibodies of cardiovascular receptors were independent risk factors for the onset of PPCM [15]. After 12 months of treatment for PPCM, the frequency and geometric mean titers of both β1R-AABs and M2R-AABs decreased significantly [15]. These have led to a proposal that autoantibodies against cardiovascular receptors may be involved in the pathogenesis of PPCM [15].
Effective management of PPCM reduces mortality and increases the number of women who fully recover their left ventricular function [17]. Outcomes for subsequent pregnancies are better in women who have fully recovered cardiac function after PPCM [18]. However, recurrence of cardiac failure is common in subsequent pregnancies [19]. We used bromocriptine, which has been shown to be effective in PPCM, to treat our patient [17]. There is one other case report in the literature describing cardiomyopathy occurring in pregnancy in association with TTP. This was reversed rapidly with combined plasma exchange and infusion [20].

Conclusions

Our patient had two potentially lethal conditions of unknown etiology. Interestingly, the most plausible explanation for both conditions is an autoimmune mechanism.

Acknowledgements

We thank to all the staff who helped in managing our patient for a good outcome.

Availability of data and materials

The datasets created during and/or analyzed during this case are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
Not applicable.
Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case report and any accompanying images. A copy of the written consent is available for review by the Editor-in-Chief of this journal.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
Open AccessThis article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://​creativecommons.​org/​licenses/​by/​4.​0/​), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made. The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver (http://​creativecommons.​org/​publicdomain/​zero/​1.​0/​) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated.

Unsere Produktempfehlungen

e.Med Interdisziplinär

Kombi-Abonnement

Für Ihren Erfolg in Klinik und Praxis - Die beste Hilfe in Ihrem Arbeitsalltag

Mit e.Med Interdisziplinär erhalten Sie Zugang zu allen CME-Fortbildungen und Fachzeitschriften auf SpringerMedizin.de.

© Springer Medizin

Bis 11. April 2024 bestellen und im ersten Jahr 50 % sparen!

e.Med Allgemeinmedizin

Kombi-Abonnement

Mit e.Med Allgemeinmedizin erhalten Sie Zugang zu allen CME-Fortbildungen und Premium-Inhalten der allgemeinmedizinischen Zeitschriften, inklusive einer gedruckten Allgemeinmedizin-Zeitschrift Ihrer Wahl.

© Springer Medizin

Bis 11. April 2024 bestellen und im ersten Jahr 50 % sparen!

Literatur
1.
Zurück zum Zitat Gaddam S, Pablani L, Chainani V, Kavuda RR. Complete recovery of ischemic cardiomyopathy from thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Clin Med Insights Cardiol. 2011;5:29–33.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Gaddam S, Pablani L, Chainani V, Kavuda RR. Complete recovery of ischemic cardiomyopathy from thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Clin Med Insights Cardiol. 2011;5:29–33.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
2.
Zurück zum Zitat Rock GA, Shumak KH, Buskard NA, et al. Comparison of plasma exchange with plasma infusion in the treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. N Engl J Med. 1991;325:393–7.CrossRefPubMed Rock GA, Shumak KH, Buskard NA, et al. Comparison of plasma exchange with plasma infusion in the treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. N Engl J Med. 1991;325:393–7.CrossRefPubMed
3.
Zurück zum Zitat Sadler JE, Moake JL, Miyata T, George JN. Recent advances in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. In: Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program; 2004. p. 407–23. Sadler JE, Moake JL, Miyata T, George JN. Recent advances in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. In: Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program; 2004. p. 407–23.
4.
Zurück zum Zitat Blumberg N, Heal JM, Gettings KF, Phipps RP, Masel D, Refaai MA, et al. An association between decreased cardiopulmonary complications transfusion-related acute lung injury and transfusion-associated circulatory overload and implementation of universal leukoreduction of blood transfusions. Transfusion. 2010;50:2738–44.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Blumberg N, Heal JM, Gettings KF, Phipps RP, Masel D, Refaai MA, et al. An association between decreased cardiopulmonary complications transfusion-related acute lung injury and transfusion-associated circulatory overload and implementation of universal leukoreduction of blood transfusions. Transfusion. 2010;50:2738–44.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
5.
Zurück zum Zitat James N, George MD. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. N Engl J Med. 2006;354:1927–35.CrossRef James N, George MD. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. N Engl J Med. 2006;354:1927–35.CrossRef
6.
Zurück zum Zitat Scully M, Hunt BJ, Benjamin S, et al. Guidelines on the diagnosis and management of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and other thrombotic microangiopathies. Br J Haematol. 2012;158:323–35.CrossRefPubMed Scully M, Hunt BJ, Benjamin S, et al. Guidelines on the diagnosis and management of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and other thrombotic microangiopathies. Br J Haematol. 2012;158:323–35.CrossRefPubMed
7.
Zurück zum Zitat Crowther MA, Heddle N, Hayward CPM, et al. Splenectomy done during hematologic remission to prevent relapse in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Ann Intern Med. 1996;125:294–6.CrossRefPubMed Crowther MA, Heddle N, Hayward CPM, et al. Splenectomy done during hematologic remission to prevent relapse in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Ann Intern Med. 1996;125:294–6.CrossRefPubMed
8.
Zurück zum Zitat Ono T, Mimuro J, Madoiwa S, et al. Severe secondary deficiency of von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease (ADAMTS13) in patients with sepsis-induced disseminated intravascular coagulation: its correlation with development of renal failure. Blood. 2006;107:528–34.CrossRefPubMed Ono T, Mimuro J, Madoiwa S, et al. Severe secondary deficiency of von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease (ADAMTS13) in patients with sepsis-induced disseminated intravascular coagulation: its correlation with development of renal failure. Blood. 2006;107:528–34.CrossRefPubMed
9.
Zurück zum Zitat Manea M, Karpman D. Molecular basis of ADAMTS13 dysfunction in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Pediatr Nephrol. 2009;24(3):447–58.CrossRefPubMed Manea M, Karpman D. Molecular basis of ADAMTS13 dysfunction in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Pediatr Nephrol. 2009;24(3):447–58.CrossRefPubMed
10.
Zurück zum Zitat Feys HB, Liu F, Dong N, Pareyn I, Vauterin S, et al. ADAMTS-13 plasma level determination uncovers antigen absence in acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and ethnic differences. J Thromb Haemost. 2006;4(5):955–62.CrossRefPubMed Feys HB, Liu F, Dong N, Pareyn I, Vauterin S, et al. ADAMTS-13 plasma level determination uncovers antigen absence in acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and ethnic differences. J Thromb Haemost. 2006;4(5):955–62.CrossRefPubMed
11.
Zurück zum Zitat Coppo P, Bengoufa D, Veyradier A, et al. Severe ADAMTS13 deficiency in adult idiopathic thrombotic microangiopathies defines a subset of patients characterized by various autoimmune manifestations, lower platelet count, and mild renal involvement. Medicine (Baltimore). 2004;83:233–44.CrossRef Coppo P, Bengoufa D, Veyradier A, et al. Severe ADAMTS13 deficiency in adult idiopathic thrombotic microangiopathies defines a subset of patients characterized by various autoimmune manifestations, lower platelet count, and mild renal involvement. Medicine (Baltimore). 2004;83:233–44.CrossRef
12.
Zurück zum Zitat Fu LX, Magnusson Y, Bergh CH, Liljeqvist JA, Waagstein F, et al. Localization of a functional autoimmune epitope on the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor-2 in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. J Clin Invest. 1993;91:1964–8.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Fu LX, Magnusson Y, Bergh CH, Liljeqvist JA, Waagstein F, et al. Localization of a functional autoimmune epitope on the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor-2 in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. J Clin Invest. 1993;91:1964–8.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
13.
Zurück zum Zitat Sterin-Borda L, Gorelik G, Borda E. Chagasic IgG bingding with cardiac muscarinic cholinergic receptors modifies cholinergic-mediated cellular transmembrane signals. Clin Immunol Immunopathol. 1991;61:389–97.CrossRef Sterin-Borda L, Gorelik G, Borda E. Chagasic IgG bingding with cardiac muscarinic cholinergic receptors modifies cholinergic-mediated cellular transmembrane signals. Clin Immunol Immunopathol. 1991;61:389–97.CrossRef
14.
Zurück zum Zitat Selle T, Renger I, Labidi S, Bultmann I, Hilfiker-Kleiner D. Reviewing peripartum cardiomyopathy: current state of knowledge. Future Cardiol. 2009;5:175–89.CrossRefPubMed Selle T, Renger I, Labidi S, Bultmann I, Hilfiker-Kleiner D. Reviewing peripartum cardiomyopathy: current state of knowledge. Future Cardiol. 2009;5:175–89.CrossRefPubMed
15.
Zurück zum Zitat Liu J, Wang Y, Chen M, Zhao W, Wang X, Wang H, Zhang Z, Zhang J, Xu L, Chen J, Yang X, Zhang L. The correlation between peripartum cardiomyopathy and autoantibodies against cardiovascular receptors. PLoS One. 2014;9(1):e86770.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Liu J, Wang Y, Chen M, Zhao W, Wang X, Wang H, Zhang Z, Zhang J, Xu L, Chen J, Yang X, Zhang L. The correlation between peripartum cardiomyopathy and autoantibodies against cardiovascular receptors. PLoS One. 2014;9(1):e86770.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
16.
Zurück zum Zitat Ansari AA, Fett JD, Carraway RE, Mayne AE, Onlamoon N, Sundstrom JB. Autoimmune mechanisms as the basis for human peripartum cardiomyopathy. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2002;23(3):301–24.CrossRefPubMed Ansari AA, Fett JD, Carraway RE, Mayne AE, Onlamoon N, Sundstrom JB. Autoimmune mechanisms as the basis for human peripartum cardiomyopathy. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2002;23(3):301–24.CrossRefPubMed
17.
Zurück zum Zitat Sliwa K, Hilfiker-Kleiner D, Petrie MC, Mebazaa A. Current state of knowledge on aetiology, diagnosis, management, and therapy of peripartum cardiomyopathy: a position statement from the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology Working Group on peripartum cardiomyopathy. Eur J Heart Fail. 2010;12(8):767–78.CrossRefPubMed Sliwa K, Hilfiker-Kleiner D, Petrie MC, Mebazaa A. Current state of knowledge on aetiology, diagnosis, management, and therapy of peripartum cardiomyopathy: a position statement from the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology Working Group on peripartum cardiomyopathy. Eur J Heart Fail. 2010;12(8):767–78.CrossRefPubMed
18.
19.
Zurück zum Zitat Murali S, Baldisseri MR. Peripartum cardiomyopathy. Crit Care Med. 2005;33(10 Suppl):S340–6.CrossRefPubMed Murali S, Baldisseri MR. Peripartum cardiomyopathy. Crit Care Med. 2005;33(10 Suppl):S340–6.CrossRefPubMed
20.
Zurück zum Zitat Cosmai EM, Puzis L, Tsai HM, Lian EC. Thrombocytopenic purpura and cardiomyopathy in pregnancy reversed by combined plasma exchange and infusion. Eur J Haematol. 2002;68(4):239–42.CrossRefPubMed Cosmai EM, Puzis L, Tsai HM, Lian EC. Thrombocytopenic purpura and cardiomyopathy in pregnancy reversed by combined plasma exchange and infusion. Eur J Haematol. 2002;68(4):239–42.CrossRefPubMed
Metadaten
Titel
Two potentially lethal conditions of probable immune origin occurring in a pregnant woman: a case report
verfasst von
H. M. Senanayake
M. Patabendige
Publikationsdatum
01.12.2018
Verlag
BioMed Central
Erschienen in
Journal of Medical Case Reports / Ausgabe 1/2018
Elektronische ISSN: 1752-1947
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-018-1701-4

Weitere Artikel der Ausgabe 1/2018

Journal of Medical Case Reports 1/2018 Zur Ausgabe