ISSN:
1432-0584
Keywords:
Key words Littoral cell angioma
;
Thrombocytopenia
;
Spleen
;
Autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Littoral cell angioma (LCA) is a recently described splenic vascular tumor. We present a new case in a 62-year-old woman with severe thrombocytopenia and mild bleeding diathesis, but without palpable splenomegaly. Abdominal ultrasound and magnetic resonance showed multiple nodular images, suggesting splenic hemangiomas. A platelet kinetic study revealed a very short platelet survival. As the spleen was the site of platelet destruction, splenectomy was carried out. Histopathological and immunohistochemical data allowed a final diagnosis of LCA. Following splenectomy, the patient showed a transitory normalization of the platelet counts. Thrombocytopenia then reappeared but was moderate, without hemorrhagic diathesis. A second platelet kinetic study, performed 16 months post-splenectomy, showed hepatic platelet destruction. However, there were no macroscopic hepatic lesions in a second abdominal magnetic resonance study. This case illustrates the difficulties involved in determining the etiology of many peripheral thrombocytopenias.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s002770050009
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