A combined regimen based on bortezomib and glucocorticoids for 6 patients with recurrent/refractory immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura / 中华血液学杂志

Objective: To observe the efficacy and adverse reactions of a combination therapy regimen based on bortezomib and glucocorticoids in recurrent/refractory immune thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) . Methods: Six patients with recurrent/refractory TTP were included and treated with a glucocorticoid and two courses of bortezomib-based regimen. The clinical remission status of patients, changes in ADAMTS13 activity/ADAMTS13 inhibitor, and the occurrence of treatment-related adverse reactions were observed. Results: Of the 6 patients, 2 were males and 4 were females, with a median age of 21.5 (18-68) years. Refractory TTP was found in 1 case and recurrent TTP in 5 cases. Glucocorticoids were administered with reference to prednisone at 1 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1), and gradually reduced in dosage after achieving clinical remission. Bortezomib is subcutaneously administered at 1.3 mg/m(2) on days 1, 4, 8, and 11 with a 28-day treatment course consisting of 2 courses. Six patients achieved clinical remission after receiving bortezomib as the main treatment. ADMATS13 activity returned to normal in all patients with TTP after treatment, and the ADAMTS13 inhibitor turned negative. Thrombocytopenia is the most common adverse reaction after treatment, with other adverse reactions, including peripheral neuritis and abdominal pain, but ultimately all patients returned to normal. In a median follow-up of 26 (9-41) months, 5 patients maintained sustained remission, and 1 patient relapsed after 16 months of bortezomib treatment. Conclusion: Combination therapy of bortezomib and glucocorticoids has a satisfactory therapeutic effect and controllable adverse reactions for recurrent/refractory iTTP.

Progress on diagnosis and treatment of kidney transplantation-associated thrombotic microangiopathy / 器官移植

Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a severe complication after kidney transplantation, mainly characterized by thrombocytopenia, microvascular hemolytic anemia and acute kidney injury, which may lead to kidney allograft failure or even death of the recipients. With the increasing quantity of solid organ transplantation in China and deeper understanding of TMA, relevant in-depth studies have been gradually carried out. Kidney transplantation-associated TMA is characterized with different causes and clinical manifestations. Non-invasive specific detection approach is still lacking. The diagnosis of TMA mainly depends on renal biopsy. However, most TMA patients are complicated with significant thrombocytopenia. Hence, renal puncture is a risky procedure. It is difficult to make a definite diagnosis. For kidney transplantation-associated TMA, plasma exchange, intravenous immunoglobulin and withdrawal of potential risk drugs are commonly employed. Nevertheless, the overall prognosis is poor. In this article, the classification of TMA after kidney transplantation, diagnosis and treatment of kidney transplantation-associated TMA were reviewed, aiming to provide reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment of kidney transplantation-associated TMA.

A Case of Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Following High-Dose Dexamethasone Therapy in a Patient with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

Man in his 70s, who had suffered from idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), was admitted to our hospital with chest pain at rest. Coronary angiography revealed obstruction of the right coronary artery and triple vessel disease. Because a bleeding tendency was expected during coronary artery bypass grafting, we performed percutaneous coronary intervention to the culprit lesion first, and then intravenous immunoglobulin and high dose dexamethasone were tried. His platelet count rose from 49,000 to 103,000/mm3, so we performed coronary artery bypass grafting. The patient had no postoperative hemorrhagic complications. We believe that high dose dexamethasone therapy is useful for patients with ITP who need surgery immediately.

Microangiopatía trombótica como complicación de una pancreatitis aguda / Thrombotic microangiopathy as a complication of acute pancreatitis / Microangiopatia trombótica como complicação da pancreatite aguda

La púrpura trombótica trombocitopénica (PTT) es una microangiopatía trombótica poco frecuente, que se caracteriza por anemia hemolítica y plaquetopenia, con una elevada morbimortalidad. Su forma más frecuente es la PTT inmune, también denominada adquirida, provocada por la deficiencia de la enzima disintegrin-like and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 motif 13 (ADAMTS13) secundaria a la presencia en plasma de autoanticuerpos. Presentamos el caso de un paciente con diagnóstico de pancreatitis aguda (PA) complicada con PTT, asociación de presentación excepcional en la práctica clínica.

Summary: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is rather an unusual thrombotic microangiopathy characterized by hemolytic anemia and plateletopenia which results in high morbimortality rates. The most frequent form of this disease is immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, also known as acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, which is caused by enzime deficiency disintegrin-like and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 motif 13 (ADAMTS13) that is secondary to antibodies in plasma. The study presents the case of a patient with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis with a rare complication of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura which is exceptional in the clinical practice.

A púrpura trombocitopênica trombótica (PTT) é uma microangiopatia trombótica rara, caracterizada por anemia hemolítica e trombocitopenia, com alta morbimortalidade. Sua forma mais comum é a TTP imune, também conhecida como adquirida, que é causada pela deficiência da enzima ADAMTS13 (em inglês A disintegrin-like and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 motif no. 13) secundária à presença de autoanticorpos no plasma. Apresentamos o caso de um paciente com diagnóstico de pancreatite aguda (PA) complicada por PTT, associação com apresentação excepcional na prática clínica.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura as an acute complication of COVID-19

Introduction: While disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a serious complication of COVID-19, a close differential in critically ill patients with thrombocytopenia is Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Case Report: We describe the case of a middle-aged lady admitted with COVID-19 pneumonia who developed progressive thrombocytopenia, altered sensorium and renal failure. The absence of coagulation abnormalities alerted to the possibility of TTP, strengthened by presence of schistocytes in peripheral smear. Conclusions: This case highlights the need for high index of suspicion and to pay attention to normal tests as well that might give clues to the diagnosis. New onset thrombocytopenia in COVID-19 need not always indicate DIC. A careful examination of peripheral smear may help diagnosing TTP especially if coagulation profile is normal.

MULTIPLE MYELOMA COMPLICATED BY FATAL THROMBOTIC THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA (TTP) – A CASE REPORT OF AUTOPSY FINDINGS IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a syndrome characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, neurological abnormalities, fever and renal dysfunction. Early clinical suspicion and presumptive diagnosis of TTP helps in timely initiation of treatment modalities speci?c for TTP which may prove to be lifesaving and thus augment in reducing the mortality rate of TTP which is estimated to be 80 – 90 % if left untreated. We report a case of a known case of multiple myeloma who developed TTP which proved fatal despite plasmapheresis. Signi?cant autopsy ?ndings of presence of microthrombi in the microvasculature of multiple organs is also highlighted.

Management of Perioperative Anticoagulation in a Patient with Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: A Case Report

Patients with Antiphospholipid syndrome (APLS) are at high risk for both bleeding and thrombotic complications during cardiac surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). In this case we present a patient with APLS and Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura who successfully underwent aortic valve replacement (AVR) with CPB despite recent craniotomy for subdural hematoma evacuation. Anticoagulation for CPB was monitored by targeting an Activated Clotting Time (ACT) that was 2× the upper limit of normal. A multidisciplinary approach was essential in ensuring a safe and successful operation.

Púrpura trombocitopénica inmunológica tras vacunación contra COVID-19

RESUMEN Se presenta el caso de un paciente masculino con púrpura trombocitopénica inmunológica que ocurre 10 días después de la aplicación de la vacuna contra la COVID-19. Se descartaron con estudios complementarios todas las causas secundarias. Con pulsos de corticoides presentó mejoría clínica y laboratorial, evolucionando favorablemente. Asumiendo la relación temporal con dicha vacuna, se presume que esta plaquetopenia fue una reacción adversa a la misma. En el país no se han notificado casos de púrpura trombocitopénica inmunológica hasta el último boletín informativo de reacciones adversas relacionadas a esta vacuna.

ABSTRACT We present the case of a male patient with immunological thrombocytopenic purpura that occurs 10 days after the application of the COVID-19 vaccine. All secondary causes were ruled out with complementary studies. With corticosteroid pulses, he presented clinical and laboratory improvement, progressing favorably. Assuming the temporal relationship with the vaccine, it is presumed that this thrombocytopenia was an adverse reaction to it. No cases of immune thrombocytopenic purpura have been reported in the country until the last bulletin of adverse reactions related to this vaccine.

The paradox of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and the TACO challenge!

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare medical emergency characterized by the pentad of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, fever, renal failure, and neurological dysfunction. TTP is an infrequent condition and is a thrombotic microangiopathy. TTP is essentially a clinical diagnosis. As untreated TTP has a high mortality, diagnosis is usually presumptive and prompt treatment with plasma exchange is highly beneficial and reduces mortality significantly. Therapeutic plasma exchange with fresh frozen plasma is the standard treatment of choice for TTP. Transfusion-associated reactions may occur in some patients further complicating the disease picture and prolonging hospital stay and recovery. Transfusion-associated circulatory overload and transfusion-associated acute lung injury are the leading cause of transfusion-related mortality. We present here the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges that we faced with a young male patient who presented with fever, jaundice, and seizures.

Research Advance in Treatment of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura --Review / 中国实验血液学杂志

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a thrombotic microangiopathy, in which a severe deficiency of von Willebrand factor lyase results in thrombocytopenic clots that block blood vessels and eventually lead to terminal organ failure. Therapeutic plasma exchange is the cornerstone of TTP treatment which can greatly improves the survival rate of the patients. With the further exploration to the pathophysiological mechanism of TTP, other alternative therapies, new immunosuppressive agents, targeted antagonists, gene therapy and other emerging means gradually emerge, which are expected to further reduce the mortality and recurrence rate of the patients. In this review, the new developments in TTP treatment were summarized briefly.

Analysis of laboratory parameters and death risk in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective:To analyze the laboratory parameters and clinical characteristics of TTP patients, so as to provide reference for the timely diagnosis and death risk assessment or TTP.Methods:83 patients with TTP from June 2016 to March 2022 in our hospital were analyzed retrospectively. They were divided into survival and death groups. The differences in general information, clinical symptoms and laboratory parameters were compared between the two groups. The prognostic prediction score was constructed by combining parameters which differ between the two groups to calculate the corresponding mortality risk.Results:83 patients were included in the study, of whom 81.1% (60/74), 91.1% (72/79) and 86.2% (50/58) had increased AST, IBIL and cTnI results, and all (78/78) had higher LDH at admission. Hb was decreased in 97.5% (79/81) patients, and PLT of 97.5% (79/81) patients was less than 30×10 9/L. There were no significant differences in gender, age, blood type, presence of fever, ADAMTS-13 activity and PLASMIC score between the survival group (58 cases) and the death group (25 cases), but the proportion of neurologic symptoms in the death group was significantly higher than that in the survival group. AST, IBIL, cTnI and APTT at admission were significantly higher in the death group than in the survival group ( P<0.05). The risk of death was 4.86, 9.74, 3.71, and 5.33 for those with high AST, IBIL, APTT, and cTnI levels, respectively, compared with those with low levels at admission. At last, AST, IBIL, APTT, cTnI and neurological symptoms were included to construct a score model. For each 1 point increase, the risk of short-term death in TTP patients was 3.24. Conclusions:Multiple laboratory markers have high negative exclusion value for TTP. For TTP patients with high AST, IBIL, cTnI and APTT and neurologic symptoms, more attention and active treatment should be paid to reduce mortality.

A Case of Hemorrhagic Cystitis that Developed During Administration of Cyclophosphamide for Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Successfully Treated with Kamikihito / 日本東洋医学雑誌

A 71-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with complaints of gross hematuria. She had been administered 50mg/day of cyclophosphamide for 13 years to treat idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Cystoscopy revealed irregular surface of bladder mucosa. On suspicion of bladder cancer, we performed transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT). The pathological examination showed polypoid cyst, and we diagnosed hemorrhagic cystitis. Two months after the operation, gross hematuria was observed again. Although we administered choreitogoshimotsuto and then saireito, both were ineffective. Then we administered kamikihito, considering the findings of deficiency of ki (qi) and ketsu (blood) in Kampo diagnosis and the underlying disease ITP. One month after administering kamikihito, gross hematuria disappeared, urinary sediment test showed RBC 1-4/HPF. After one year of follow-up, bladder tumor was suspected by cystoscopy, but the pathological result of the second TUR-BT was inflammatory change. Since then, kamikihito was continued during the 44-month observation period, and no gross hematuria was observed.

Evaluation of Sysmex XN-3000 for Detection of Schistocyte / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#Compared with the method of optical microscopy, to evaluate the accuracy of fragmented red cells(FRC) detection by Sysmex XN-3000.@*METHODS@#A total of 111 samples were collected from patients diagnosed as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, autoimmune disease, hematological disease, malignant tumor and health examination in our hospital from June 2019 to February 2021, including 74 cases in the case group and 37 cases in the healthy control group. All samples were detected by optical microscope and Sysmex XN-3000, respectively. ROC was used to evaluate the detection ability of Sysmex XN-3000 for schistocyte. Bland-Altman method was used to evaluate the consistency of the results of the two methods for detection of schistocyte, and Pearson correlation analysis was conducted for the difference of the results.@*RESULTS@#The area under the ROC curve was 0.890(95% CI: 0.828-0.952, P<0.01). Sysmex XN-3000 count did not quantitatively agree with schistocyte counts by microscopy in the case group(mean of difference:-1.53, 95% limits of agreement: -8.78~5.72). There was a weak positive correlation between platelet count and the difference of analyzer and microscopic results (r=0.32,P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Sysmex XN-3000 can be used as a reference for qualitative determination of schistocyte. However, the sensitivity of Sysmex XN-3000 should be improved. It is still necessary to combine with manual microscopy. The quantitative results are not reliable now and cannot be used as a reference for monitoring the results of schistocyte in clinical patients after treatment.

Reference range for ADAMTS13 antigen, activity and anti-ADAMTS13 antibody in the healthy adult Singapore population

INTRODUCTION@#ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin-like and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin Type 1 motif, member 13) plays a fundamental role in the regulation of haemostasis and thrombosis. Its deficiency leads to an accumulation of ultra-large von Willebrand multimers, inducing spontaneous platelet aggregation, thrombosis in the microvasculature, and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a condition with 90% mortality when left untreated. Prompt quantification of ADAMTS13 antigen, activity and autoantibody plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of TTP and can help differentiate it from other thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs). Reference ranges for ADAMTS13 are generally derived from Caucasian patients. Given that polymorphism in the ADAMTS13 gene can be associated with variable ADAMTS13 levels, we aimed to establish the first reference range in Singapore and provide a crucial laboratory test for institutions here and elsewhere.@*METHODS@#150 healthy voluntary donors (75 men, 75 women) aged 21-60 years, with an ethnic mix mirroring Singapore's population profile, were recruited. ADAMTS13 antigen, activity and autoantibody levels were measured using the fluorescence resonance energy transfer-vWF73 and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methodologies.@*RESULTS@#Levels (activity 0.65-1.79 IU/mL, antigen 0.36-1.17 IU/mL, autoantibody 1.4-12.5 U/mL) were not statistically different between the genders and various age groups.@*CONCLUSION@#TTP and TMAs are encountered in a wide range of specialties. The availability of new assays in Singapore will aid clinicians in the timely management of these conditions. Standardising reference ranges established for Singapore against World Health Organization standards allows harmonisation of measurements between laboratories and for future research collaborations.

The Progress in Research in Hereditary Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura in Children / 罕见病研究

Hereditary thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (hTTP) in children is a rare but severe and fatal thrombotic microangiopathy. The etiology of the disease is the persistent severe deficiency of the enzyme ADAMTS13 gene mutation, resulting in microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, neuropsychiatric symptoms, fever, and renal involvement. Different from adults, children with hTTP present earlier onset of the disease and are more likely to develop long-term complications in brain and kidney, so that the need for preventive replacement therapy is more urgent. This article reviews the research progress of hTTP in children.

Trombocitopenia inmune asintomática asociada a COVID-19

El virus SARS-CoV-2 produce una enfermedad con múltiples manifestaciones clínicas. Los hallazgos hematológicos anormales, entre ellos la trombocitopenia, han surgido como una complicación emergente de la COVID-19. A nivel mundial, se han descrito casos que asocian la infección por el virus SARS-CoV-2 con la trombocitopenia inmune; sin embargo, este es el primer registro publicado en Costa Rica a la fecha. En este reporte clínico se describe una paciente adulta mayor atendida en el Centro Especializado para la Atención de pacientes COVID-19, uno de los hospitales de la Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social. Ingresó con cuadro de COVID-19 severo que, durante su estancia hospitalaria, desarrolló plaquetopenia aguda asintomática. Posterior a la exclusión de otros diagnósticos causales de este signo clínico, se hizo diagnóstico de trombocitopenia inmune con asociación a SARS-CoV-2 Además del manejo protocolizado por la COVID-19 que incluyó dexametasona y enoxaparina, recibió un ciclo adicional de dexametasona junto con una dosis de inmunoglobulina intravenosa, tras lo cual presentó una recuperación completa del conteo plaquetario.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is a disease that produces multiple clinical manifestations. Abnormal hematologic findings, such as thrombocytopenia, have emerged as a complication of COVID-19. Worldwide, series of cases of association between the SARS-CoV-2 virus and immune thrombocytopenia have been described; however, reported to date, it is the first case published in Costa Rica. This clinical report describes the case of an elderly female admitted in the Centro Especializado para la Atención de pacientes COVID-19, one of the hospitals of the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social. She was admitted with severe COVID-19, and during her hospital stay, she developed asymptomatic acute thrombocytopenia. The diagnosis of immune thrombocytopenia was made after excluding other diagnoses causing this sign. In addition of the protocolized management of COVID-19 with steroids and enoxaparin, she was treated with an additional cycle of dexamethasone and a dose of intravenous immunoglobulin. After this, she showed a complete recovery of the platelet count.

Síndrome de Evans como manifestación inicial de lupus eritematoso sistémico / Evans syndrome as an initial manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus

El síndrome de Evans se caracteriza por la presentación simultánea de anemia hemolítica autoinmune y púrpura trombocitopénica inmune, puede presentarse como una patología aislada o como manifestación de una enfermedad sistémica. Caso Clínico: Preescolar masculino de 3 años, diagnosticado de síndrome de Evans, requirió tratamiento con corticoides e inmunoglobulina por mala respuesta inmunológica, tres meses después de su diagnóstico inicial presento afectación renal, además de presentar autoanticuerpos positivos, por lo que se estableció diagnóstico de lupus eritematoso sistémico. Conclusión: El síndrome de Evans es una entidad nosológica poco frecuente, ante su diagnóstico se debe descartar enfermedad sistémica subyacente.

Evans syndrome is characterized by the simultaneous presentation of autoimmune hemolytic anemia and immune thrombocytopenic purpura; it can be manifested as an isolated pathology or as a manifestation of a systemic disease. Clinical Case: 3-year-old preschool male, diagnosed with Evans syndrome, that required corticosteroids and immunoglobulin intravenous treatment due to poor immune response. Three months after his initial diagnosis he presents kidney affectation in addition to presenting positive auto-antibodies, with which it was established the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus. Conclusion: Evans syndrome is a rare nosological entity, when the diagnosis is made an underlying systemic disease must be ruled out.

Púrpura trombocitopénica idiopática (pti): su diagnóstico a través de lesiones en cavidad oral / Purple Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic (Itp): diagnosis through lesions in the oral cavity

La PTI es una alteración hemorrágica de instalación súbdita, adquirida, que se manifiesta inicialmente con petequias, equimosis o hematomas en piel y mucosas, sangrado nasal y gingival, sin causa aparente. La mucosa bucal puede ser el sitio donde las lesiones se observen con frecuencia y por primera vez. Se reporta el caso de un paciente masculino de 28 años de edad, con manifestaciones clínicas de un cuadro purpúrico, se describen signos, síntomas, terapéutica y manejo estomatológico (AU)

PTI is a hemorrhagic alteration of sudden installation, acquired, which manifests initially with petechiae, esquimosis or bruises on skin and mucosae, nasal and gingival bleeding without apparent cause. Bucal mucosae can be the site where lesions are observed with frequency, and for the first time. The case of a male patient with 28 years of age with clinical manifestationsofpurpuric syndrome is reported, signs, symptoms, therapeutic and stomatological handling are described (AU)

Bazo accesorio secundario a trombocitopenia autoinmune primaria refractaria - Un reto diagnóstico / Accessory spleen resection in refractory primary autoimmune thrombocytopenia - a diagnostic challenge

Resumen En la trombocitopenia autoinmune primaria hay formación de autoanticuerpos contra las membranas plaquetarias causando destrucción plaquetaria esplénica y compromiso clínico consistente en petequias, hemorragias y trombocitopenia. Cuando falla el manejo médico con corticoides e inmunoglobulinas está indicada la realización de esplenectomía, que funciona para remisión parcial de la enfermedad persistente. Realizar la esplenectomía hace necesario el estudio de un bazo accesorio o material esplénico recurrente, que comúnmente se asocia con la pobre respuesta a tratamiento y recaídas de la enfermedad. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 27 años y antecedentes de trombocitopenia autoinmune primaria quien requirió esplenectomía, con adecuada evolución postoperatoria y remisión de los síntomas por dos años. Posteriormente, presentó recaída clínica y paraclínica, con plaquetas en 11 000 cel/uL, en contexto de trombocitopenia severa sintomática, presencia de gingivorragia, petequias en los miembros inferiores y el abdomen. Se realizó búsqueda activa de bazo supernumerario por medio de estudios complementarios, los cuales evidenciaron bazo accesorio localizado en el ligamento gastro cólico, que fue resecado por vía laparoscópica, con adecuada respuesta y remisión sintomática de la trombocitopenia autoinmune primaria refractaria. En pacientes esplenectomizados con púrpura trombocitopénica idiopática que tengan recaída de su enfermedad se requiere búsqueda activa de bazos supernumerarios, puesto que es una causa frecuente de su reaparición.

Abstract In primary autoimmune thrombocytopenia there is formation of autoantibodies against the splenic platelet membranes causing platelet destruction with clinical deterioration consisting of petechiae, haemorrhages and thrombocytopenia. When the medical management with corticoids and immunoglobulins fails, it is indicated the accomplishment of splenectomy that works for partial remission of the persistent disease. Performing splenectomy requires the study of an accessory spleen or the recurrent splenic material, that is commonly associated with poor response to treatment and frequent relapses of primary autoimmune thrombocytopenia. A case is presented in a 27-year-old patient with a history of primary autoimmune thrombocytopenia requiring splenectomy, with adequate postoperative evolution and remission of symptoms for two years who later presents clinical and paraclinical relapse with platelets at 11,000 cells/uL in the context of severe symptomatic thrombocytopenia, with the presence of gingivorrhagia, petechiae in the lower limbs and abdomen. Active search of supernumerary spleen was performed by means of complementary studies that showed an accessory spleen located in the gastrocolic ligament, which was resected by laparoscopy with adequate symptomatic remission response of the refractory primary autoimmune thrombocytopenia. In splenectomized patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura who have relapsed their disease, they require an active search for supernumerary spleens since it is a frequent cause of their reappearance.