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Pseudothrombocytopenia associated with infectious mononucleosis.
A T Hsieh1, T Y Chao, Y C Chen
1Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China. hsiehantie@kimo.com.tw
Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
|February 4, 2003
Summary
A patient with infectious mononucleosis developed low platelet counts due to platelet clumping, a condition known as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-dependent pseudothrombocytopenia. This resolves as the infection clears, highlighting its importance in differential diagnoses.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Thrombocytopenia, or low platelet count, can be a complication of various conditions, including viral infections like infectious mononucleosis.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial as some causes of thrombocytopenia require specific management.
Observation:
- A young adult male presented with fever and was diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis.
- Blood smear analysis revealed significant platelet clumping, leading to a diagnosis of asymptomatic, moderately severe thrombocytopenia.
- Other infectious mononucleosis-related causes of thrombocytopenia were excluded.
Findings:
- The patient's thrombocytopenia was attributed to ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-dependent pseudothrombocytopenia, characterized by in vitro platelet aggregation.
- Following recovery from infectious mononucleosis over two months, platelet counts normalized, and platelet clumping ceased.
Implications:
- Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-dependent pseudothrombocytopenia should be considered in patients presenting with low platelet counts, particularly those with infectious mononucleosis.
- This condition can mimic true thrombocytopenia, emphasizing the need for careful blood smear examination.
- Awareness of this phenomenon aids in accurate diagnosis and avoids unnecessary investigations or treatments.