Teetering on a liver’s edge: a case report highlighting clinical decision-making in thrombocytopenia

This report illustrates the importance of a detailed history and physical exam and careful analysis of hematologic parameters when diagnosing ITP. This case demonstrates that even with subtle deviations from typical ITP findings one must promptly reevaluate the diagnosis. This case also highlights the importance of peripheral smear review by an expert in pediatric hematopathology.

A previously healthy 10 year-old Asian boy presented with 2 months of easy bruising. Review of systems was negative for any constitutional symptoms. On examination, he appeared well but had numerous large ecchymoses. He had no appreciable lymphadenopathy or splenomegaly. The liver was palpable 1.5 cm below the costal margin. A complete blood count (CBC) showed: platelets = 17 × 109/L, hemoglobin = 128 g/L, white blood cell count = 5.43 × 109/L, and neutrophils = 1.63 × 109/L. A blood smear was reported as normal. Urate was 370 umol/L and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was 803 U/L. The child was admitted with a presumptive diagnosis of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and treated with intravenous immunoglobulin. The following day, the blood smear was reviewed by a hematopathologist who identified blasts. A bone marrow aspiration (BMA) confirmed the diagnosis of precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

In children presenting with suspected ITP, leukemia should always be considered. A BMA was historically performed on all patients with presumed ITP to rule out leukemia. In 2011, the American Society of Hematology (ASH) stopped recommending routine BMA in patients suspected of having ITP. ASH advises in cases with unusual findings on history, physical examination or CBC, it is reasonable to perform a BMA. Our patient had mild hepatomegaly, which may have qualified him for a BMA. He also had an elevated LDH and urate, which are not listed as criteria for BMA by ASH but were considered atypical for ITP by the clinical team. A literature search did not reveal any primary data assessing these markers.

While corticosteroids are a first line treatment in ITP, they must be reserved for when clinicians are confident that the patient does not have leukemia. Steroid administration prior to diagnosing leukemia results in delayed diagnosis and may increase the risk of complications and decrease survival.