Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

(TTP) A microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA) that is usually due to a deficiency of ADAMTS-13 (a metalloprotease responsible for cleavage of large multimers of vW factor). Similar to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) remember the mnemonic "Brain FART" (Complements of Dr. M. Baughn) which is Brain for neurologic problems (more commonly associated with TTP than HUS), F for Fever, A for Anemia, R for Renal failure (more commonly associated with HUS than TTP), and T for Thrombocytopenia. On peripheral smear, usually schistocytes are easily notable and increased in number (similar to other MAHA).