Etymed
thrombocytosis
Definition
An abnormal condition characterized by an excessive number of blood cells (thrombocytes) in the blood
Clinical context
A 65-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with sudden onset of left arm weakness and numbness. Her CBC reveals a platelet count of 850,000/μL. Further workup shows no evidence of bleeding or clotting disorders, but she has a history of iron deficiency anemia. The elevated platelet count is likely secondary to her underlying iron deficiency.
Mnemonic
TIPS for thrombocytosis: Temporary, Idiopathic, Post-splenectomy, Secondary to malignancy