Anatomy of Hematologic System Related

Review Anatomy of Hematologic System related questions and content

A 17-year-old patient is referred to you for a platelet count of 1,200,000/mm3. On history, she notes that she often has numbness and tingling in her hands and feet and has frequent epistaxis. She is otherwise well-appearing and has no recent infections. On her exam, you note splenomegaly. What do you expect to see on further evaluation?

  • A. Elevated C-reactive protein
  • B. Low ferritin
  • C. A hypocellular bone marrow
  • D. Low von Willebrand factor activity
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Low von Willebrand factor activity. This patient likely has Essential Thrombocythemia, a disorder characterized by excessive production of platelets by the bone marrow. This condition can lead to abnormal bleeding and clotting. The patient's symptoms of numbness, tingling, epistaxis, and splenomegaly are consistent with this diagnosis. Low von Willebrand factor activity is expected in Essential Thrombocythemia due to platelet dysfunction. Elevated C-reactive protein, low ferritin, and a hypocellular bone marrow are not typically associated with Essential Thrombocythemia and are less likely to be seen in this patient.