[Anemia and thrombocytopenia of uncertain etiology].

A 35-year-old male patient with long lasting HIV infection presented with confusion, haemolytic anaemia and thrombocytopenia. After a stable course over 7 days he suddenly developed coma and cardiogenic shock and died. Autopsy revealed thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura with fibrin-rich deposits in the microvasculature of the brain, heart and pancreas. The pathogenesis and differential diagnosis of this fulminant disease are discussed.