Introduction
We have recently observed an infant girl suffering from a prolonged, eventually fatal, illness which in some respects simulated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. However, the clinical picture, the laboratory data, and even the histologic findings were so puzzling that they defied the diagnostic resources of all who saw her, including the staffs of two pediatric teaching centers. Since a review of the literature uncovered no comparable disorder, we feel justified in reporting and discussing a single case.
Report of Case
A white infant girl was born on June 30, 1954, three weeks past term. The mother had been in good health during pregnancy except for an attack of "pleurisy" during the seventh month for which she had been treated with sulfonamides. The family history contained nothing of interest. The parents were young and not consanguineous. Two subsequently born boys have remained healthy to date. Nothing unusual was noted at birth.