Acute myocardial infarction in a patient with post-splenectomy thrombocytosis: a case report and review of literature

Cardiol J. 2010;17(1):79-82.

Abstract

Unlike essential thrombocytosis, which is associated with thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications, reactive thrombocytosis (RT) is usually considered a benign process without thrombotic complications. We describe a case of acute myocardial infarction in a young heavy smoker with RT following splenectomy. Coronary angiography showed a linear filling defect at mid-part of left anterior descending artery. We performed balloon angioplasty and stenting for this lesion. Aspirin and clopidogrel were administered. His in-hospital course was uneventful and platelet count returned to the normal range at four month follow-up. We concluded that RT may not be an entirely benign process, especially in patients with a history of smoking. Regular monitoring of platelet count, and possibly antithrombotic agents like aspirin prescription for high risk patients with moderate thrombocytosis, may be useful.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary*
  • Aspirin / therapeutic use
  • Clopidogrel
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Myocardial Infarction / diagnostic imaging
  • Myocardial Infarction / etiology*
  • Myocardial Infarction / therapy*
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Platelet Count
  • Radiography
  • Smoking
  • Splenectomy / adverse effects*
  • Stents*
  • Thrombocytosis / blood
  • Thrombocytosis / etiology*
  • Ticlopidine / analogs & derivatives
  • Ticlopidine / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
  • Clopidogrel
  • Ticlopidine
  • Aspirin