Etymed
thrombotic microangiopathy
Definition
A condition characterized by the formation of small blood clots within small blood vessels, leading to damage and dysfunction of these vessels
Clinical context
A 28-year-old woman presents with fever, malaise, and petechial rash. Laboratory studies reveal thrombocytopenia, elevated LDH, and schistocytes on smear. She develops acute kidney injury with hematuria. The most likely diagnosis is thrombotic microangiopathy secondary to thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.
Mnemonic
TMA = Thrombosis + Microangiopathy + Anemia