Reactive thrombocytosis leading to acute myocardial infarction

Thrombocytosis is defined as platelet count of > 600000. An elevated platelet count may be primarily (essential) or secondary (reactive). Acute myocardial infarction and other vaso-occlusive phenomenon are seen in less than 5% of the patients of reactive thrombocytosis. Here we report such a case. A 49 yr old lady presented with chest pain and had isolated right ventricular infarction that progressed to anteroseptal wall STEMI. Her platelet count was 11 lac; the triggering factor in this case was reactive thrombocytosis secondary to lower respiratory tract infection and iron-deficiency anaemia confirmed after investigations. The clinical diagnosis was confirmed through IL6 levels. The patient was managed aggressively in ICCU, she had an uneventful recovery and was discharged with a normal platelet count.