A Polysaccharide Component in the Vascular Lesions of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Four cases of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura have been used in this study. The typical vascular lesions associated with this syndrome were present in all instances. They consistently disclosed an accumulation of acidic polysaccharide similar to chondroitin sulfate or hyaluronic acid. This is presented as further evidence for a primary alteration of the vessel walls in this disease.