Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 2, 2026

06:29
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques
Published on: June 11, 2019
[Exercise-induced left arm pain and thrombocytosis]
Praxis
|May 12, 2005
Summary
A man with essential thrombocythemia experienced myocardial infarction due to high platelet counts. Treatment included angioplasty and anti-platelet medications, avoiding cytoreductive therapy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hematology
Background:
- Essential thrombocythemia is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by elevated platelet counts.
- High platelet counts can increase the risk of thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction.
Observation:
- A 45-year-old male smoker presented with acute anterior wall myocardial infarction.
- On admission, his platelet count was markedly elevated at 1,030,000/mm3.
- Coronary angiography revealed spontaneous resolution of left anterior descending artery thrombosis.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with essential thrombocythemia based on thrombocytosis, splenomegaly, and bone marrow biopsy findings.
- Percutaneous coronary angioplasty and stenting were successfully performed.
- The patient's post-procedure course was uneventful with standard and additional anti-platelet therapy.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for thrombotic complications in essential thrombocythemia, even with spontaneous clot resolution.
- Aggressive anti-platelet therapy is crucial in managing acute coronary syndromes in patients with thrombocytosis.
- Early diagnosis and management of essential thrombocythemia can prevent severe thrombotic events.
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation
Palpation involves feeling the body to evaluate texture, size, consistency, and tenderness for assessing cardiovascular health. The following steps are organized in a head-to-toe order:
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above the...
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above the...
Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Pericarditis is distinguished by inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac that encases the heart. It can be acute, lasting less than six weeks, or chronic, persisting for over three months. Understanding its clinical manifestations and diagnostic findings is crucial for timely and effective management.Clinical ManifestationsWhile pericarditis can be asymptomatic, it usually presents with characteristic symptoms such as:Chest Pain: The most characteristic symptom of pericarditis is chest...
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
The key difference between Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) lies in their location and severity.Clinical ManifestationsSVT typically presents with localized pain, tenderness, and redness along the course of a superficial vein, often accompanied by a palpable, cord-like structure under the skin. This condition is usually less dangerous than DVT but can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications such as cellulitis or, rarely, a clot extension into the deep...
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management
Nursing management begins with a thorough assessment of the patient's health history. Key factors include trauma to veins, peripherally inserted central catheters, varicose veins, recent pregnancy or childbirth, surgery, bacteremia, prolonged bed rest, atrial fibrillation, COPD, heart failure, cancer, coagulation disorders, myocardial infarction, spinal cord injury, stroke, prolonged travel, recent bone fractures, and dehydration. Review medication intake, particularly oral contraceptives,...
Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a thrombus, amniotic fluid, tumor tissue, fat, or air embolus blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. Effective nursing management and patient education are crucial for improving outcomes and preventing recurrence.Nursing management starts with obtaining a comprehensive patient history, particularly noting any history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Assess for clinical manifestations, including dyspnea, chest pain, crackles, heart murmurs, and signs of right-sided...

