Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia with schistocytes, thrombocytopenia, and NORMAL PT and aPTT is MOST characteristic of:

• A Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
• B Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) ✓
• C Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
• D Hereditary spherocytosis

Explanation

TTP is caused by severe ADAMTS13 deficiency, leading to accumulation of ultra-large vWF multimers that form platelet-rich thrombi in microcirculation. This produces schistocytes, thrombocytopenia, and neurological/renal involvement with normal PT and aPTT because coagulation factors are not consumed. DIC also shows schistocytes but has prolonged PT/aPTT and low fibrinogen. ITP and hereditary spherocytosis do not cause schistocytes.

Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.