Familial acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: ADAMTS13 inhibitory autoantibodies in identical twins

Blood. 2004 Jun 1;103(11):4195-7. doi: 10.1182/blood-2003-11-3888. Epub 2004 Feb 24.

Abstract

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) either occurs in a congenital form caused by ADAMTS13 gene mutations or it is acquired and most often due to ADAMTS13 inhibitory autoantibodies. In congenital TTP siblings are often affected, while acquired TTP occurs sporadically and familial clustering has not been described so far. We report identical twin sisters suffering from acquired TTP due to immunoglobulin G (IgG) autoantibodies inactivating ADAMTS13, suggesting an important role of hitherto unidentified genetic determinants of ADAMTS13 inhibitor formation. These cases also demonstrate that familial clustering is not sufficient for unambiguously diagnosing hereditary ADAMTS13 deficiency and congenital TTP.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • ADAM Proteins
  • ADAMTS13 Protein
  • Adult
  • Autoantibodies / blood
  • Female
  • Histocompatibility Testing
  • Humans
  • Metalloendopeptidases / deficiency
  • Metalloendopeptidases / genetics*
  • Metalloendopeptidases / immunology*
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / genetics*
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / immunology*
  • Twins, Monozygotic / genetics

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • ADAM Proteins
  • Metalloendopeptidases
  • ADAMTS13 Protein
  • ADAMTS13 protein, human