TTP was first recognized as a new condition in 1925. Although there are many symptoms that are associated with TTP, the diseases are generally characterized by a "classic pentad" of five symptoms, including:

• Thrombocytopenia
  
  
• Hemolytic anemia, which is defined as an anemia caused by destruction of red blood cells
  
  
• Neurological symptoms, including seizures, visual disturbances, confusion and others
  
  
• Decreased kidney function
  
  
• Fever, which is not always present

In addition, the following signs may be present:

• Bleeding into the skin or mucous membranes (purpura)
  
  
• Bruising
  
  
• Petechiae (small purplish hemorrhagic spots on the skin or mucous membrane)
  
  
• Widespread ecchymoses (skin discolorations due to large irregularly formed areas of bleeding into the skin)
  
  
• Pallor
  
  
• Yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
  
  
• Enlargement of the spleen (splenomegaly)
  
  
• Abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia), such as tachycardia (heart rate over 100 beats per minute) or heart failure