Is it HIV TTP or HIV-associated thrombotic microangiopathy?

Thrombocytopenia is a common complication of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. With advanced HIV disease, the presence of both thrombocytopenia and schistocytosis are frequently observed. In such cases, the diagnosis of HIV associated TTP is often considered. This article reviews emerging concepts of HIV associated microangiopathies. It concludes that the pathophysiology, in many cases seems to be distinct from idiopathic TTP (particularly with advanced HIV disease-<100 CD4/microliter). A sine que non for successful therapy of HIV-TMA appears to be the treatment of the underlying HIV infection.