hematology and oncology
Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP)
Symptoms and Signs of ITP
Although often asymptomatic and identified only by a low platelet count on a routine assay, when present the symptoms and signs of immune thrombocytopenia are Petechiae Purpura and/or ecchymoses Mucosal bleeding Increased menstrual bleeding Gross gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and hematuria are less common. The spleen is of normal size unless it is enlarged by a coexisting viral infection or Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (Evans syndrome). Like the other disorders of increased platelet destruction, ITP is also associated with an increased risk of thrombosis. Petechiae are characterized by small red spots as seen here on the palate of this patient. DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY By permission of the publisher. From Deitcher S. InAtlas of Clinical Hematology. Edited by JO Armitage. Philadelphia, Current Medicine, 2004. Ecchymoses are the large purple bruises seen on the leg of this patient. DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY By permission of the publisher. From Deitcher S. InAtlas of Clinical Hematology. Edited by JO Armitage. Philadelphia, Current Medicine, 2004. 