October 18 2010 (Monday) - Platelet Satellites




Look what I saw today. Whilst reported enough in the literature, it’s actually rather obscure. And then I had a worry…
Platelet clumping is common, and is widely recognised as a cause of thrombocytopenia. Could platelet satellitism be a similar cause of thrombocytopenia, albeit a more obscure one.

But then, if the (apparent) thrombocytopenia is relevant, we would look at a blood film anyway, and if the satellitism is especially marked, then this would stuff the optical properties of the neutrophil and again prompt scrutiny of a blood film. Either way the problem would be spotted.

On reflection I don’t think there’s grounds for concern….


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