A 9-year-old girl develops widespread pinpoint skin hemorrhages. She recovered from a flu-like illness 1 week earlier. Laboratory findings reveal a platelet count of 20,000/mL but no other abnormalities. Her bone marrow shows an increased number of megakaryocytes. The platelet count is normal after 2 months. Which of the following is the appropriate diagnosis?
Correct Answer: Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
Description: ITP is a quantitative disorder of platelets caused by antibodies directed against platelet or megakaryocytic antigens. Similar to autoimmune hemolytic anemia, the etiology of ITP is related to antibody-mediated immune destruction of platelets or their precursors. In adults with acute ITP, the platelet count is typically less than 20,000/mL. In chronic adult ITP, the platelet count varies from a few thousand to 100,000/mL. The peripheral blood smear in ITP exhibits numerous large platelets, and the bone marrow shows a compensatory increase in megakaryocytes. Acute ITP in children typically appears after a viral illness and presents with sudden onset of petechiae and purpura without other symptoms. Spontaneous recovery can be expected in more than 80% of cases within 6 months. Thrombocytopenia may be observed in the other choices but is usually associated with other systemic signs and symptoms.Diagnosis: Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
Category:
Pathology
Get More
Subject Mock Tests
Practice with over 200,000 questions from various medical subjects and improve your knowledge.
Attempt a mock test nowMock Exam
Take an exam with 100 random questions selected from all subjects to test your knowledge.
Coming SoonGet More
Subject Mock Tests
Try practicing mock tests with over 200,000 questions from various medical subjects.
Attempt a mock test now