[Thrombotic microangiopathy with anti-ADAMTS 13 antibodies revealing an acute Q fever]

Abstract

Introduction: Q fever can commonly mimic systemic diseases, leading to several immunological manifestations. Thrombotic micro-angiopathies manifest as a spectrum of related disorders in the form of thrombocytopenic purpura and hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Case report: We report a 77-year-old woman, who presented an acquired thrombotic microangiopathy with renal expression associated with the presence of anti-ADAMTS 13 antibodies, which occurred during an acute infection by Coxiella burnetii (acute Q fever).

Conclusion: Auto-immune disorders are well-known in chronic or acute Q fever but to our knowledge, this is the first reported observation of thrombotic microangiopathy with anti-ADAMTS 13 antibodies.