In a patient with thrombotic Thrombocytopenia all of the following are seen EXCEPT
**Core Concept**
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia Purpura (TTP) is a rare blood disorder characterized by the formation of blood clots in small blood vessels throughout the body, leading to low platelet count and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia. The pathophysiology involves a complex interplay between platelet activation, endothelial damage, and coagulation.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
TTP is characterized by the pentad of thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, renal failure, neurological symptoms, and fever. This pentad is a result of the formation of microthrombi in small blood vessels, which impede blood flow and lead to tissue damage. The activation of platelets and endothelial cells, along with the release of pro-coagulant factors, contributes to the development of TTP.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is often incorrect because TTP is characterized by a microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, which involves the fragmentation of red blood cells as they pass through small blood vessels. This is a hallmark of TTP and is not seen in Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS).
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect because TTP is often associated with a deficiency of ADAMTS13, a metalloprotease that cleaves von Willebrand factor (VWF). A deficiency of ADAMTS13 leads to the accumulation of ultra-large VWF multimers, which contribute to platelet activation and thrombosis.
* **Option D:** This option is incorrect because TTP can present with a wide range of neurological symptoms, including confusion, seizures, and coma. These symptoms are a result of the microthrombi that form in small blood vessels in the brain.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key feature of TTP is the presence of schistocytes on a peripheral blood smear, which are fragmented red blood cells that have passed through small blood vessels. This finding is highly suggestive of TTP and should prompt further investigation.
**Correct Answer:** D.