Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in a newly diagnosed pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Context: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma presenting as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura has not been previously reported in the literature. Case report: A newly diagnosed patient with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma developed thrombocytopenic purpura prior to initiation of chemotherapy. Generalized petechiae were present and peripheral smear revealed giant platelets. Drug induced and other thrombotic platelet consuming disorders were ruled out. Her platelets returned to normal after being treated with steroids. Conclusions: ITP can be associated with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinorna and can respond well to steroid treatment. mellitus, a history of recent but unexplained thrombophlebitis [2], or previous attacks of pancreatitis are sometimes noted. Pancreatic cancer manifesting with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) has not been previously reported. We are presenting the case of a patient who developed ITP before the initiation of the chemotherapy.