Quote:
Originally Posted by Trapper John
Radiating peticheal hemorrhaging? Rings a bell in the ol' noggin. Need to search on that one, may be important diagnostic clue?
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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.)].