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Essential thrombocytosis physical examination

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Soujanya Thummathati, MBBS [2]

Overview

Patients with essential thrombocytosis are usually well appearing. Physical examination of patients with essential thrombocytosis is usually remarkable for splenomegaly.

Physical examination

Patients with essential thrombocytosis are usually well appearing. Physical examination of patients with essential thrombocytosis is usually remarkable for splenomegaly, as a result of sequestration with the dysfunctional platelets. Erythromelalgia which is an episodic pain disorder caused by the occlusion of blood vessels in the extremities resulting in redness, intense burning pain and warmth in the affected area, is seen in some patients.[1] Other signs in patients with essential thrombocytosis may include:[2]

Appearance of the Patient

  • Patients are usually well-appearing

Vital signs

  • Low grade fever may be present

Skin

  • Bruises

HEENT

  • Decreased visual acuity

Abdomen

  • Splenomegaly, as a result of sequestration with the dysfunctional platelets

Genitourinary

Extremities

  • Redness, tenderness and warmth of hands and feet (erythromelalgia) caused by the occlusion of blood vessels in the extremities.[1]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Erythromelalgia. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erythromelalgia. Accessed on November 6th,2015.
  2. Koudstaal PJ, Koudstaal A (1997). “Neurologic and visual symptoms in essential thrombocythemia: efficacy of low-dose aspirin”. Semin Thromb Hemost. 23 (4): 365–70. doi:10.1055/s-2007-996110. PMID 9263353.


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