View Single Post
Old 12-09-2013, 16:15   #11
PedOncoDoc
Area Commander
 
PedOncoDoc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Northeast Utah
Posts: 1,712
Quote:
Originally Posted by Trapper John View Post
Radiating peticheal hemorrhaging? Rings a bell in the ol' noggin. Need to search on that one, may be important diagnostic clue?
Petechiae are a sign of defective or insufficient numbers of platelets - distribution is typically in areas where skin is under stress (often at site of shoulder straps, waistline, etc. in those carrying packs). They can be seen from ITP, new onset leukemia, too much aspirin, and several other causes.

ITP would raise the potential for other diagnoses such as new-onset rheumatologic disease (e.g. lupus), underlying immunodeficiency (primary immunodeficiency, undiagnosed HIV, etc.) along with more common ITP causes (e.g. H.pylori, post-viral, etc.)

He could also have aplstic anemia [secondary to a toxic exposure or underlying bone marrow failure syndrome (e.g. Fanconi's anemia, dyskeratosis congenita, etc.) - many of these have hints on the physical examination (leukoplakia, premature graying, short stature, etc.)].
__________________
‎"The dignity of man is not shattered in a single blow, but slowly softened, bent, and eventually neutered. Men are seldom forced to act, but are constantly restrained from acting. Such power does not destroy outright, but prevents genuine existence. It does not tyrannize immediately, but it dampens, weakens, and ultimately suffocates, until the entire population is reduced to nothing better than a flock of timid, uninspired animals, of which the government is shepherd." - Alexis de Tocqueville
PedOncoDoc is offline   Reply With Quote