Thrombotic microangiopathies associated with drugs and bone marrow transplantation.

This type of thrombotic microangiopathy more commonly resembles the hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) than thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). The syndrome has been associated with the use of cyclosporin, mitomycin C, combinations of other chemotherapeutic and immunosuppressive agents, and total body irradiation. Endothelial cell injury and von Willebrand factor may be involved in pathogenesis of the intravascular platelet aggregation and tissue (especially renal) ischemia and infarction that characterize the entity. The most effective therapy for thrombotic microangiopathy associated with drugs and bone marrow transplantation has not been determined.