M31.1: Thrombotic microangiopathy

Blood is made up of a liquid part and different blood cells, among other things. The blood cells include the red blood cells, the white blood cells and the platelets. Platelets are important for blood clotting.

The disorder involves blood platelets clustering in blood vessels and forming blood clots. These blood clots can partly or entirely block small blood vessels. Blood vessels transport the blood from the heart to the different tissues and organs in the body, and back again. In so doing, they provide the tissue and organs with oxygen and nutrients, and remove waste substances.

The blood clotting can block small blood vessels in different parts of the body. This can affect the kidneys, brain or heart, for example.

If a lot of small blood clots form in the body, the platelets in the blood are increasingly used up. Having too few platelets in the blood can cause bleeds in the skin, for example. These bleeds in the skin are visible as small red spots.

The disorder can also involve damage to the red blood cells. The red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs throughout the body. Damaged red blood cells get broken down too early. If a lot of red blood cells get broken down too early, the blood is no longer able to transport as much oxygen. This can mean, for example, that you’re exhausted more quickly or you have difficulty breathing.